Archive for the ‘Destinations’ Category

Griswold Inn serves hospitality to visitors for centuries.

By Bobbie Green

This distinguished old Inn has been serving hospitality continuously, for over 230 years. The Griswold Inn is located in Essex, Connecticut, a quaint historical steamboat port town on the Connecticut River.  You may want to add this interesting bit of history on your “places to see” list.

This inn has never closed its doors since its opening in 1776. Every inch of their historic rooms, restaurant and bar are special.  The rooms are distinct, with antique beds and period wallpaper with modern plumbing, air conditioning and internet. We were fortunate in having a 2-room suite in the old annex across the street with a great view of the Inn and the “Gris” square.” Some first floor rooms are handicap accessible–the original 3-story 1776 buildings have no elevators.

The check-in desk located in the parlor immediately gives guest the emotional sensation of stepping back in time and sets the mood for your stay, even if it is just for a few hours for lunch or dinner.

In 1801 the original Essex school house, built in 1738, was moved by oxen rolling the school house on  logs to its new location—it was then affixed to the Inn, becoming  a Traven known as the Tap Room.  A gathering place for locals and the seaman whose river ships ported in Essex and it was a definite stopover for landlubber horse and stage travelers including many historic figures.

The first thing I noticed about the Tap room was the unusual domed-like ceiling with an unfamiliar dark brown texture.  I learned the ceiling was a mix of horsehair and oyster shells with two hundred years of tobacco smoke crusted on it.  The Tap Room is just as popular today as it was in the 1800’s. Locals and travelers enjoy a mixed variety of nightly entertainment, drinks and seafood chowder, in a very spirited atmosphere.  Barkeepers serve drinks from behind a gothic-steamboat bar. This is one bar room that can boast, “the fun never stops”, it has been happening here for over 200 years.

Going into Griswolds is like going into a museum. Many relics used there and/or collected through the years are on display on all the walls of the Inn.  The “Gun Room” houses a display of firearms dating as far back as the 15^th century.     

The main dining room located directly behind the Tap Room  known as the “Covered Bridge” dining room because it was constructed with wood from an abandoned New Hampshire covered bridge in the 1800’s.  The massive stone fireplace attracts your attention and you can easily imagine our founding fathers drinking ale and discussing the politics of the day—perhaps even our constitution.  A collection of Currier and Ives maritime prints and Antonio Jacobsen “Steamship oils” line the walls.

When visiting Griswold you can walk through centuries in a few minutes, to the newest addition. Griswold enclosed a porch that separated the main building from the annexed houses. It is now a very trendy wine bar, with an award winning wine list, innovative and sophisticated dishes and desserts.  I must alert new visitors, if you are looking at the eye-catching 18 foot painting by David Brown, hanging behind the bar, of an historically accurate mural of Essex at the turn of the century,  the view is seen as one would see it from a steamboat departing the port.  You might get the sensation that the boat is rocking with the waves, it may not be because you drank too much wine, the mural sets on a motor allowing the picture to look like the ship is rocking with the waves– perplexing many visitors.

The English settlement of Essex was established in 1645. It became an important manufacturing and shipbuilding town and same as today, a stopover for travelers. Today Essex is a wonderful tourist town with the grand old homes of the sea captains, good seafood restaurants, an array of unique shops and galleries.

To enhance your visiting experience the community along with business such as Griswolds sponsor many intriguing events throughout the year.

One October feature is the Scarecrow Festival. Works of art class scarecrows hang on the light post along Main Street.

I would suggest checking out the annual event calendar to help you select the period in which to make your visit at www.Essexct.com and www.griswoldinn.com

Comments or questions may be sent to etriptalk@gmail.com. Bobbie’s web site is www.leisuretravelreports.com

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Touring Historic Sites, Bethlehem, PA

By Bobbie Green

Whiletouring American historic sites, Bethlehem Pennsylvania, in Lehigh Valley offered
a unique look at a settlement of Moravian immigrants from Germany originating
in 1741.

They came to the colonies of America for
economic growth. Here they were also free to practice, teach and grow their
religion. The group consisted of educated and skilled tradesman along with
their families.  The Bethlehem
Partnership has preserved their rich heritage and historic sites.

The idyllic
setting along Monocacy Creek offers visitors a short trip back in time. Docents
who give the short walking tour dress in period clothing making it easy to
imagine yesteryear in the quint village bustling with people in antiquated
clothing. Because the group was educated and skilled, they not only survived in
this wilderness they helped make it a central part of the industrial revolution
in America.

Although the settlement began as a communal with everyone contributing their skills to the community for survival in the wilderness, after 20 years Bethlehem went to private industry, free enterprise
and a cash system. They became the most extensive center of the pre-Industrial
Revolution. In 1762 they built the first public water works.  Tourist can visit the colonia  industrial
quarter, go inside some of the buildings. In the water works building they see
a reproduction of the huge beautifully carved wooden water wheel lifting the
water to the wooden pipe.  On the streets
away from the creek area, tourist can visit historic homes and museums filled
with period items, like German textiles, Victorian furniture and Bohemian
glass. One of the homes displayed the EJ. Prime dollhouse collection,
considered the “Best in the country”—we were amazed in their variety and
detail.

The many walking tours have different themes and we were on the Fire and Water tour so
we went inside an historic building where the fire equipment was stored. We saw
the fire wagon use there in 1763. It held 125 gallons of water.  What I found most interesting was the fire
alarms.  The hand carved noisy wooden
swivels, looked very much like the metal New Year’s Eve party noisemakers we
use today.

Inside thevisitors center located in a historic building on Main Street visitors can view
display items from the towns past doctors. The first Pharmacist Dr John Freyag
established the first homeopathy college in nearby Allentown.

Today along the main Street, visitors will find trendy shops and eateries, many housed in
the original buildings, along with sidewalk cafés. There is a huge parking
garage one block off the main street, plan to park there.

In nearby Allentown do not miss a visit to America on Wheels Museum, a very entertaining
history of America’s road transportation.

Cars on display range from Americas first horseless carriage to a Hydrogen station of
the future. Little kids and adults kids can experience driving a Mack Truck.
Included in their displays are bicycles and motorcycles, even dragsters and soapbox
cars. The display presentations are much nicer than an antique car show.

Every member of the family will find something here to captivate them. Visitors can plan to have lunch in the new 50’s themed  Hub Cap café.

Journey to America’s Hallowed Ground

Vicksburg National Military Park

By Bobbie Green

Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the 47-day siege and defense of Vicksburg during the Civil War. There are many sites in America that one can call hallowed ground because of its history.  One of the most emotional and worthwhile sites to visit is the Vicksburg National Military Park, known as “Art park of the world” because of the 1330 monuments and markers it contains. 

Amazingly there are many Americans who do not know this place even exist and it is a phenomenal place to visit for young and old alike. I don’t believe any American leaves there untouched by some part of our history encountered there. Along with a visitors center there is a 16 mile tour road with markers and astounding monuments, each erected by a different state as a memorial to its fallen soldiers, North and South. This Park representing both sides was sort of a healing process. There are 17,000 remains of Union soldiers buried there and Approximately 5,000 Confederates. The area itself is beautiful and well kept. It has two antebellum homes and 144 emplaced cannons and 20 miles of reconstructed trenches and earthworks on the battlefield. 

Massachusetts was the first state to erect a memorial to its soldiers in 1903. There are 16 state memorials and one from the U.S. Navy,

all are varied and beautiful forms of art. Possibly the most impressive is the Illinois State Memorial seen at milepost 1.8. Dedicated on October 26, 1906 and modeled after the Roman Pantheon. Sixty unique bronze tablets line the interior wall with the names of all 36,325 Illinois soldiers who participated in the Vicksburg Campaign. There are forty-seven steps leading up to the memorial one for each day of the Vicksburg siege. Once inside one sees the dome ceiling and the marble floor and the detailed work put into this structure the care and thoughtfulness and remember why they did this, it has a humbling effect. The State of Ohio chose to erect a separate memorial for each of their thirty-nine units that participated in the campaign. All the monuments are works of art, the statues are fascinating depictions.

In 1917 the U.S. government appropriated $150,000 for a 4-day veteran’s reunion. 8,000 soldiers attended and though it is hard to believe now days they had $35,000 left unspent, so they commemorated the Memorial Arch to be built with the money. Today visitors will drive through the arch on their tour. 

The USS Cairo Museum and Gunboat are also located on this site. The USS Cairo made history as the first USS marine vessel to be sunk by an electronically denoted confederate mine (torpedo) in the Yazoo River. Commissioned January 16, 1862, torpedoed and sunk on December 12, 1862. She was raised in 1965 along with many artifacts and personal belongings of her crew. They are on display in the museum. 

The 47-day siege for Vicksburg, Mississippi was grueling and long remembered by the town of Vicksburg. July 4^th was the surrender date of the Confederates to the Union because they had nothing left to eat. It is recorded that the people of Vicksburg did not celebrate Independence Day, because that day was their mortification until the late forties when General Eisenhower visited the town and they gave him a parade.

 There are many other historic and tourist sites along the Mississippi River and this hallowed site is one that is sure to touch all who visit it.    

America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (formerly Golden Eagle & Age pass) are accepted..

Nicaragua, Land of Volcanoes and Mud Pots

By Bobbie Green      

From our tour bus window, we could see the steam rising from the nearby volcano. We are on our way to see the boiling mud pots that are the result of the underground geothermal heat emanating from the Telica volcano. This is a natural occurrence here in Nicaragua—land of many volcanoes’.

These boiling mud pots are located a short walk from the little village of San Jacinto.  As we stepped off the tour bus, many young friendly children greeted us. They did their best to attach themselves to a tourist and offered to guide them to the mud pots.  The village is very poor and tips from the tourist are income for the family. Most speak fair English; their parents speak very little, if at all.    The young child guides know where it is safe to walk and there are no protective fences or keep back signs.                        

This was my first time to see such a sight.  It was amazing, watching and hearing the mud boil. The ground around the pools was also muddy and hot.  I can only imagine the shock of the very first person to be walking through this field– they of course would have been barefoot.  Hikers wishing to climb the volcano must begin their trek from here, as there are no roads to the volcano.  They say it takes 3-4 hours to hike to the volcano and only a few hours to climb.

Our young guides took us to the mud pots and back to the bus.  Tourist with respiratory problems may not be comfortable with this tour, as the mud pots omit much steam and the air is very heavy.  

San Jacinto is not far from the colonial town of Leon.  The main attraction here is the Basilica La Asuncion Cathedral–building began in 1706, taking 30-years to complete. Other additions were made through the years since then. There are 34 domes inside and ornate bell towers outside. The heaviest bell is said to weigh over three tons. Building of the Cathedral took over a period of thirty years.  

The wealthiest people of the town bought gravesites in, around and underneath the church, providing money to help build it. Buried under the lion statue by the church steps is the renowned poet Ruben Derio. His home in Leon is now a museum open to the public. Underground tunnels lead to the many other churches within the city.   

Across the street from the rear of the Cathedral is the colorful local market. This place is not where the tourist buy souvenirs—the locals shop here.  It is very congested with narrow aisles and noisy—a place for the seasoned traveler to experience the native culture–smelly fish, hanging meats and poultry, locals preparing native foods, tables piled high with local grown fruits and vegetables.  The tourist merchandise, leather goods, ceramics, and hats are sold in the plaza in front of the Cathedral.                

The closest international airport is in Managua about 1.5 hours away. There are many hotels in Leon to choose from in all, star, rating ranges. Visitor can choose from numerous tour companies to see the surrounding sights.

Visiting these smaller towns in South America gives you a truer feeling of the country and its culture. It lets us Americans realize that the poorest of us here have so much more, than do the poor in other countries.

Rarely, if ever while traveling, have I encountered people who were unfriendly, mostly people are very helpful and this continued to be true in Nicaragua.

Warm Inviting Huatulco, Mexico

By Bobbie Green                                                    

Picture a sleepy little fishing village on the Pacific Mexican coast, with a mixed range of beaches and shoreline. Think of inviting warm crystal-clear waters with giant coral reef formations and sea life awaiting your viewing pleasure.

You would find yourself in Huatulco, Mexico, also known as Santa Cruze de Huatulco or La Crucecita. No matter how or where you arrive from, you are sure to enjoy your stay in this extremely pleasant resort town. It is not yet, congested with sidewalk vendors and timeshare hawkers annoying visitors.                         

Until the Mexican government does something to control the drug cartels, I am not a fan of Mexico tourism. Huatulco would be the exception, for now.  The town welcomes visitors while preserving its small town appeal.

New resorts, shopping, restaurants on the beach, entertainment and even golf courses recently developed, with all the modern conveniences, all designed to retain the look of a Mexican seaside village.

Many Americans and other foreigners have chosen to live here at least part of the year. We met one lovely couple, living here part time. They gave us a grand tour and an insider’s view of the area.

They took us to La Entrega National Park high on the mountain where we were able to view the scenic coastline. Huatulco means “place of beautiful wood,” the coastline is not the only attractive place. The hills and mountains are very green and lush.   They then took us down to the seaside bay with rugged scenic views. They told us how much they enjoyed their yearly time spent here. Their laid-back life style, fishing surfing and the good food served at the local restaurants at very reasonable prices.  Every afternoon they meet with their other snowbird friends for margaritas. They felt safe there and feel their town has not yet been invaded by bad elements. However, not unlike many Mexican towns, the Chief of Police owns the largest house, on the highest hill.

One town square just off the beach is clean, attractive and full of tourist. The omnipresent Mexican church sits at the edge of the square. The larger, main plaza located more in the center of town and used more by the locals, anchored by an older church with beautiful vibrantly painted ceilings, is definitely worth a visit.               

Woven wall hangings, blankets and the like are handcrafted in Huatulco. Visitors can watch the weavers working their skills in or just outside their shops.        

Visitors should drink only bottled water, we found the reasonably priced food much better than along the tourist border towns.

There are nine distinct Huatulco Bays giving visitors and locals a variety of amusement. Most of them are still in their natural state and support a wide variety of marine life.  El Maguey Bay has white sandy beaches for swimming and sun bathing. Organo Bay is rugged and serene. Conejos Bay has big waves ideal for surfers and the beach is good for collecting seashells. Tagolunda Bay or La Entrega Beach has giant coral reef formations attracting divers and snorkelers. Santa Cruz bay holds the marina and boat slips. Cruise ships dock here. There is swimming from the sandy beach and many restaurants cater to tourist serving food and drink on the beach.  

Seafood and fishing is abundant here. It is fun, but smelly, to walk through the local fishermen’s outdoor market.

There are plenty of newer resorts for visitor to choose from and always a fishing boat available for hire, including lessons.  

Nightlife is unlike that of Cancun, but, what there is begins after ten p.m. The nightclubs stay open until four A.M. 

If I were to travel to Mexico in the near future, Huatulco would be my destination.  

IF YOU GO

Hautulco Tourism

958-581-0176                                                                                              www.Hautulockiosk.com     

Peru’s amazing coastal Archaeological sites

By Bobbie Green                                                                                                                                                         

We anxiously waited for immigration to clear our cruise ship, HAL’s Rotterdam, so we could begin our 3-days of sightseeing in Peru.   

We chose not to take the all-day journey to Machu Picchu from the coast.  Instead, we opted to visit the coastal Archaeological sites. They may be less known, but just as astounding.

From Trujillo, an old coastal Spanish town, known for its Andalusian-Style balconies, we took a small tour bus to Huaca de la luna.– Temple of the moon.

The temple and the Moche settlement around it developed between 100 and 800 AD.

The huge, well-preserved, site that has been uncovered layer by layer is revealing much information about the past cultures.  The information gathered by the archaeologist is available for you to read in books and on line. There is a great difference in reading about a past culture and personally standing in the actual site. Seeing with your own eyes the amazing sights the dig has revealed. The dust and dirt seem to make the experience more real.

At this particular site, each ruler began his reign anew by covering up the old town and building new structures on top.  The great wall that is now dug down to six layers reveals each period with pictures carved into the wall– the vibrant colors that have remained on the walls are startling.                                                 

The highest point in the temple is where the human sacrifices took place.  The chosen person was dressed in finery and given a drug to drink so they were not fully aware of their surroundings.  These sacrifices were only legends until 1987 when archaeologists found proof of these ceremonies.  

 The Moche people built the temple on a small mountainside and those with walking impairments may not be able to make the climb. There is a gift shop area, with restrooms, on the flatland below where you may wait for the rest of your party. 

Another site near-by Trujillo is the Chan Chan Citadel. It is the largest pre-Hispanic mud-brick settlement in the America’s, palaces of the Chimu kings.  Chan Chan covers 7.7square miles and is believed to have had a population of 50,000 at one time.

Named the Chimu Empire, it has 11 citadels inside where the nobles lived. The artisans and other laborers lived outside the compound.

The sculptured walls depict shellfish, waves, and birds.  There is a burial site known as “Royal Mausoleums” on the property. Archaeologists are still trying to define, the culture of the people who lived here.

While wandering though Chan Chan with so many things yet unknown, visitors are free with their imaginations to decipher what their eyes are seeing. While there are sculptures most of the structure is very plain.

Around 1470 AD the Incas conquered the ancient Chimu People.

Aside from the first hill getting up to the plateau, the ground is flat, but it is a very big area and there is a lot of walking.

Other sites you may want to visit in the area are Huaca del Sol—Temple of the Sun.  Approximately a 3-hour drive away in Lambayeque, is the Lord of Sipan tomb. The 1987 discovery of the tomb, now dubbed the “King Tut of the Americas”  is considered the greatest find in the western hemisphere.

Should you want to visit these sites with a stay on land, Trujillo is a pleasant place for a base and there is about a weeks’ worth of near-by archaeological exploring to do. 

Tripadviser list the Hotel Libertador as 4.5 stars with a good location at Plaza de Armar. I did not stay at the hotel, but I can vouch for the convenient location.

Explore Fiji’s Islands large and small

Part 2-Viti Levu & Mantangi

By Bobbie Green

The Fijian culture and way of life with their chief’s and villages are very different from ours.  Exploring other’s way of life is part of the international travel experience. On the big island of Viti Levu going to the Arts Village (culture center) is a must.  This is the place visitors will see and learn a good part of the Fijian history.

The Arts Village is located on the islands South Pacific side. They offer tours to the village from most resorts.  The Arts Village features a show with the famed Fire-walkers.

The Fire-walkers come from the Fijian island of Beqa, the only island where the native born people have been given the gift of fire-walking on 400 degree heated rocks.  Visitors will see and learn about the Fijian culture.  They will see a 70 foot tall temple, the chief’s house and experience a traditional Kava ceremony. Kava is made from the root of the kava plant– it is a traditional way to welcome a guest.  To refuse to drink kava with your host would be a great insult. Truthfully, it does not taste very good, but tolerable if you drink it straight down quickly. It is always

The Fijian culture and way of life with their chief’s and villages are very different from ours.  Exploring other’s way of life is part of the international travel experience. On the big island of Viti Levu going to the Arts Village (culture center) is a must.  This is the place visitors will see and learn a good part of the Fijian history.   

The Arts Village is located on the islands South Pacific side. They offer tours to the village from  presented in a ceremonial fashion, quite fun and interesting. 

The village has the traditional bures, dug out canoes and offers a couple of different tours through the village. More modern facilities like restaurants, and swimming pool and shopping are also present.  There is a small museum and the restaurant offers a special “lovo” meal to the group tours. 

There are a few resorts located within walking distance of the Arts Village; we stayed at one of them called The Pearl, one of the oldest properties developed on the South Pacific side. The South Pacific side of the island is greener, having more rain and humidity. The grounds surrounding the resort are stunning– bordered on one side by the ocean and another side by the river. I found the food at The Pearl to be the best of anywhere I ate in the islands.

They offer the white water rafting tours from this resort. With all the wonderful amities this resort has to offer–miles of white sand swimming beaches, The rooms are very standard, basic. The air works well, but there are no upgraded linens or fancy baths. However, the prices are not upgraded either and if you are on a budget, this is a good place to be.  Now for the bonus, this property has a beautiful 18- hole Robert Trent Jones Jr., Par -72, Golf Course. The golf prices are also very reasonable.

These are tropical islands and it is very hard to tell when you are on the so called dryer side. Everything is still green. A three minute boat ride across the lagoon from the main island is the Sonaisali Resort.  Visitors will find even the ocean front bures are in a garden setting. There is a large beach area, but only a small portion is designated a swimming beach.  Their pool is big. beautiful and located quite near the beach. Guest may lounge on the beach facing the ocean with the pool right behind them.  They have a variety of accommodations including family units.  They offer many on-island activities and off site tours.

 We took a tour to a Fijian Village. This village was distinctive because they make pottery there. After the Kava greeting ceremony and lovely singing by the villagers we were given a tour of the village, which depicts the way of life for most Fijians.  They gave a demonstration of their skill on how they make their pottery, with no wheel—attain the clay and ingredients for their glazes. We were then given the opportunity to purchase some of their pieces. This is how the people of the village make their money to live. The men in the village work the fields and grow the food. They need money to buy clothes and pay for their children’s schooling. Every village has a church and a chief. The ladies sell their pottery from the community hall.

The Sonaisali Resort has nightly entertainment performed by the local villagers. Guest may dine poolside or in the fine dinning restaurant. Their sunset sail option is a guest favorite. Located only 25 minutes from the Nadi International Airport—Sonaisali is a medium priced convenient place to vacation in Fiji especially for active people.

Like most tropical isle’s, Fiji offers the ultimate indulgence vacations & honeymoons.  Denarau Island surrounded by blue sea, offers high-end resorts and Fiji’s leading Golf Course and shopping. Remote private Islands like Mantangi offers exclusive one of a kind experiences.

We walked onto the tarmac at Nadi Airport and boarded our small 18 seat twin engine plane for an hour and half flight to the island of Taveuni. Once on Taveuni we drove another half hour on mostly dirt roads to a clearing in the jungle leading to the beach. From the waters edge we boarded a motor boat, for another 30 minute ride to the privately owned, rather remote, island of Manatagi.

For a very short period of time in the 1800’s the Fijian islands were for sale for private ownership.  In 1887 an Australian, Frederick Mitchell, bought Mantangi and his family has owned it ever since. The original home is still being lived in by the family.  Even more unique are the descendants of the native family first hired to help on the coconut plantation, they are still living on the island and manage what is now one of Fiji’s premier private island resorts –the family first developed the plantation into a resort in 1986.

I considered the trek getting there to be an adventure, but it is soon forgotten as your taxi boat pulls into the beach for another wet landing, the staff is there to greet you with vibrant songs and beautiful drinks.

Visitors stay in beautiful round bures with outdoor showers, all modern amenities and a canopy bed or in a unique tree bure with all modern amenities.  Word of caution, there are many stairs, if you choose the tree house bures, they are great for young honeymooners. All meals are served lavishly in the open air pavilion that serves as a gathering place for guest and has a bar. As with other resorts the native staff show guest how to husk coconuts and cook with them and basket weaving. They give diving lessons with certification.  Your time is at your leisure. There are hiking trails up the mountain and walks around the beach.

Tom the manager offered to take us to his church service on Sunday morning on a neighboring island.  Off we went in tevas or barefoot because of wet landings. As we beached on the other island the drums were beating calling the people to church.  Everyone came in their Sunday best and barefoot.  We followed a narrow path through the jungle to the village (barefoot). We sat cross legged on woven mats on the floor. We were treated as welcome guest. For 2 hours we shared their hearts, their Christianity, their love of God, their beautiful voices and their heat and humidity.  This is why travelers travel; to mix with other cultures is a stimulating, enriching experience. Afterward there was fellowship on the porch of a village home, where we questioned one another about our lifestyles. I am sure for the six of us, who went to church, that day, will always be a treasured travel memory.

Horseshoe Bay sits on the other side of Mantangi Island from the resort. It is listed in writer, Patricia Schultz, book “1000 Places to See before You Die”

Private picnics are arranged by the resort and couples are taken by boat to the horseshoe shaped bay and dropped off with food and water. There are mountains between you and the resort and if you want to feel like Tom Hanks in the Castaways this is the place. You wonder what you will do until the boat returns or if it will return. It is just you and the goats that run wild there. Beautiful of course, the jungle that begins at the edge of the sand is thick and lush. The resort takes care of their guests.  There is a shelter built on the beach with a bathroom and a shade area, a comfy swinging bed to nap on and kayaks to explore with.  When the tide is out there is a multitude of sea shells, drift wood and the like to explore. Before you know it the boat is returning to pick you up, so soon!  

The dome ceilings in the bures are magnificent. Everything is woven and carved. I found I could lie on the sofa and look up to be fascinated with the expert craftsmanship throughout our stay.

Meals are presented with lavish presentations. Meat is imported– everything else is grown or caught locally.

The Intimate Mantangi Resort can accommodate 12 couples at one time.  We did not find any guest unhappy with their stay.  It is best to book well in advance. May through October is their busiest season.

Another word of advice, pack a bathing suit in your carry-on luggage if you are going to the island. The small plane does not always get your luggage there the same time as you arrive, as we discovered too late.

Choosing a Fijian vacation will certainly enrich your cultural experiences and it is beautiful and fun.

Fiji, South Pacific Holiday Destination.

Part I- A Bit of History & Mananuca Islands

By Bobbie Green                                                 

Bula bula and vinaka, welcome and thank you for coming to visit. This is the greeting all visitors hear in the South Pacific islands of Fiji. This country has 333 islands some inhabited and some are not.  Fiji is known as the ultimate Pacific holiday destination with its warm weather, warm oceans and sandy beaches.  I believe it has acquired its reputation because of its vibrant and friendly populace 

In 1874 indentured laborers were brought from India by the British to work in the sugarcane fields. The currant population in Fiji is 57 per cent Fijian, 37 per cent Indo-Fijians, the remaining 6 per cent are mixed Chinese and Europeans. Only blood line Fijians can own property. 

The Fijian people are rich in their unique culture and traditions. In 1970 Fiji gained it’s independence from Britain and established a constitution with a hereditary chief system still in place.  Most of the Fijian population lives in villages scattered though out the islands and each village has a chief who oversees the village and settles problems. Traditional Fijian dress is still the norm within the villages. Sulu (long skirt) wrapped from sarong type material is worn by men and women. The villager’s main food is locally grown taro root, and everything is cooked with the plentiful free and fresh coconut. Even cooked carrots taste good prepared in coconut milk. Many of the villagers work in the resorts. 

  The original name for Fiji was the Cannibal Islands .Yes; the ancestors of these hospitable people were cannibals. To their credit, there has been no attempt to rewrite history and their ancestors’ way of life is fully acknowledged and utilized as a tourist attraction with reconstructed sacrifice alters and souvenir forks. It is said that anyone coming to the islands with salt water in their eyes were from a ship that had sunk—the Fijians believed that the gods had condemned the people by sinking the ship and they were fulfilling their duty to the gods by killing and eating the people with salt water eyes. If you arrived safely by ship and were able to step on land from the boat, you were welcomed and treated with respect. Of course a chief hungry for flesh could sacrifice any of his people.

Fifty years from the time the first missionaries arrived on the islands, they had converted the whole chain to Christianity. That had to have been a monumental task and an amazing accomplishment. Thanks to the missionaries, visitors may now enjoy the pristine waters, snorkeling and diving to view the abundant sea life without becoming dinner themselves.

One of the islands called Bounty is where Captain Bligh landed his lifeboat for supplies after the mutiny in 1879.

Today Fiji is a compelling tourist destination with many different types of accommodations, leisure attractions and culture experiences.

The inviting destination of the Fiji Islands can accommodate a variety of vacation budgets.   Many take advantage of wedding packages, as Fiji marriages are legal though out the world. Even more honeymooners come to hide away on a small private tropical island with powder sand beaches. Young singles gravitate to the back packers camps. I was lucky enough to experience a stay at a variety of resorts.

We found the best snorkeling right from the beach (no boat needed) off the Mamanuca group of islands.  We stayed at Mana Island Resort, one of the largest resorts in the Mamanucas and found it to be a fun place with a Fijian atmosphere within a medium price range. Mana’s has a good variety of activities including tennis courts. They have a lovely chapel overlooking the sea for beautiful weddings and an isolated section of bures just for honeymooners.

What I found to be very special is their wedding packages include a Fijian choir or “serenaders” and a traditional Fijian warrior’s escort.   

Mana Island Resort’s unique spa is worth a mention.  The resort is owned by the Japanese, although the resort is heavily Fijian, the spa has a definite Japanese influence. It is beautiful. Each treatment room is a separate bure arranged around a Japanese type pond and garden of tropical plants. As with

  most of the spa’s in Fiji, they use their locally made coconut products.

We enjoyed the snorkeling at Mana with the best variety of fish I have seen since the Great Barrier Reef.  It is also a world class diving spot.

We found the evening entertainment delightful with traditional Fijian meke (dancers) and Polynesian shows. The men do a lot of the dancing as their ancestors did and they dance as fierce warriors.  It seems all Fijian people are outstanding singers. They meet and greet all incoming and departing boats to their island with singing. It is very charming and visitors feel welcome.

Mana Resort has an al a cart restaurant overlooking the water and a buffet. Once a week the buffet does a traditional “lovo” dinner.  The meat, (whole pig, chicken and lamb) vegetables and coconut milk are put inside a palm woven basket, wrapped in leaves and put into a pre-heated pit of wood and hot coals, to cook for hours. The pit is covered with palm leaves letting no steam out. Yum yum.

Nearby Mana island is Castaway Island where the movie “Castaway” with Tom Hanks was filmed. While strolling around Mana Island Resort, you will see the privately owned home where Hanks really lived while pretending to be the survivor of a plane crash. 

Nearby Malolo Island features over-the-water bures for couples only. We met a couple on the ferry returning from their honeymoon there.  Their opinion of the resort was nothing less than ecstatic.  

The international airport is on the big island of Viti Levu. To get to the Mamanuca islands one must take a small inter island plane or go by Ferry.  We took the South Sea Cruises ferry to Mana Island about 1.5 hrs away. South Sea Cruises has two ferries and two itineraries. You may take day trips to most of the islands from Denarau island, where the Port is located. It is only a 20 minuet drive from Nadi Town and the Nadi Airport to this more modern up-scale island.  Visitors wishing a home base on the big island, taking day trips to the outer island might enjoy a stay at the Golf Terraces  Apartments, lovely condo style units with small kitchens, pool, golf course view and walking distance to the  ferry and shopping.   

 Visitors waiting for the ferry may enjoy a meal or drinks at the restaurants there including the Hard Rock. Patrons will find all of their Hard Rock menu favorites there as well a few Fijian extras.

English is the official language in Fiji. They have their own money, but America dollars are widely accepted, but not everywhere.

From the minute you land at the airport you will be greeted by friendly faces from very helpful people, even the cabbies are friendly and helpful. I found all public areas and restrooms were kept clean. You will want a bug spray, I recommend buying it there, as their spray works much better than our environmentally safe stuff does.

While on the big island of Viti Levu, you may want to visit the beautiful Sri Siva Subrahmanya Swami Hindi Temple in Nadi. It took sixteen years to build and is still a work of art in progress.

 For anyone needing a transportation service I can highly recommend Coral Sun. They have very nice cars, knowledgeable drivers, and most importantly they show up on time. Traffic is British style to the left side of the road.

Ya Mon, Its Sandals Resorts, No Problem

By Bobbie Green

We have all seen the “Love is all you need” commercials on TV, with the enticing blue water of the Caribbean.  I decided to check out the couples only, luxury Sandals Resort.  we went to Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort in Montego Bay Jamaica. The vacation begins at the airport where Sandals meets and greets you and oversees transportation to your chosen resort.

The Royal Caribbean was the second resort opened by entrepreneur Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1986. Born in Jamaica of British roots he has put his revolutionary vision of tourism to work for himself and Jamaica. Sandals and Beaches Resorts are the Vanguard of the all-inclusive industry. Now, 25 years later with resorts spread through out the Caribbean, others strive to meet Sandals mantel of excellent. Butch’s first venture into tourism was at age 14 when he and a buddy floated their raft along the coast to a resort and offered guest raft rides. His first business venture was very successful until the raft sunk.

I have been to two other Sandals resorts and found Royal Caribbean to be my favorite for many reasons.  First Montego Bay is beautiful and close to the airport eliminating a long drive to the other side of island or extra expense of small plane flight. Second it is a smaller resort 97 rooms and not as spread out as some others, a plus for seniors. Most of the 3-story units have elevators.  The evening entertainment was varied with something for every taste. The small private island gives guest another venue to enjoy.

Guests are treated to a fantastic beach party with a buffet set up on the beach along with white table cloths and chairs.  The Reggae music is lively and the highlight is the fire dancer.  Everyone is invited to join the Limo dance and the Congo line. Other nights, world class entertainment included a steel band, smooth love songs even some opera– Pop singers and music of all types.  The setting was under the stars with twinkle lights in the trees, very intimate with a dance floor.

Butch founded his resorts on the premise that service and quality is what vacationers wanted, and that is what they get on a visit to any of his resorts.  White glove service, the best of food and the “party begins here attitude” from the well trained staff.  In fact Sandals began a Hospitality Training Program. Whereby local applicants are given six weeks free training and receive a certificate that enables them to get a job in any other hospitality industry, as well as Sandals, in an effort to give back and help educate the people in the country he loves. A certificate from Sandals is coveted by others in the business, because of their high standards.

There are many different categories of rooms at Sandals & Beaches.  That is the one thing I find difficult to cope with. Most people need a lot of help from their travel agent to define the difference in categories. You must pay attention to the categories, so you get exactly what you want—since there are so many. Your room category does not matter to staff–every guest is treated as a special friend. All room categories are elegant.

However, the categories range from budget conscious rooms away from the beach to ocean front and rooms with their own pool outside their door. 

I was treated to a category with butler service. My first thought was yuk! Who wants someone hanging around all the time? Now after the experience I say Why not! The butler did not hang-around; he did only what he was asked to do.  Some guests use their services more than others.  My friends and I were swimming in the pool outside my door when a rain storm came though and we all rushed to my patio.  I used the personal cell phone, given to me, to call my butler and ask for more drinks and some hors d’ oeuvres, as I had guests. They arrived promptly. Returning to my room one night the Jacuzzi/bath was drawn with bubbles, candles and rose peddles placed around the tub. Butler’s can be useful.

On site is Island Routes tour desk where you may book optional off-property tours. We took the catamaran cruise around Montego Bay, we snorkeled and made a stop at Margaretville. Of course the party started before we even got aboard. While waiting to board, the ships staff danced in unison on the deck—there was plenty of dancing aboard for all.

. The luxury seen advertised is there and guest can indulge as much as they wish. Sandals Resorts are big with weddings and honeymooners. The grounds were beautiful, with lush greenery, beaches raked and sporting lounges and cabana beds. Activities ranged from painting classes to bocce ball. Everything is included in the booking price, even the tips.

I did not meet any guests who were not delighted with their stay. We certainly were. Ya Mon, its Sandals, no problem.

The Best of Cahors, France

By Ron Kapon

In late May 2010 the Second International Malbec Days Conference took place in Cahors, France. There were 100 Malbec producers mainly from France and Argentina, 150 journalists, 400 professional buyers and 3,500 wine connoisseurs attending this three day seminar and wine tasting. The conference compared the wines of Cahors and those of Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina. There were tastings of over 600 different wines all made from the Malbec grape variety, trips to vineyards and wineries as well as a wine tasting on a barge cruising along the Lot River. The famous Bridge Pont Valentre was transformed for the three evenings into the world’s biggest Malbec bar lounge and the nearby Espace Valentre was dubbed Cahors Lounge where for three nights guests could sample gourmet finger food from the area’s top restaurants, informally taste Malbec wines and watch the Cahors Malbec band and Argentinean tango dancers perform. The lounge also hosted an educational seminar dealing with the terroir of the Cahors appellation. There was also a dinner in the historic center of Cahors where we were able to talk to the winemakers and select our favorite Malbec wines to accompany the meal. I was lucky to be seated with famed California winemaker Paul Hobbs (and Malbec producer in Argentina) as well as Bertrand Vigouroux, the proprietor of my favorite Cahors wineries, Chateau de Mercues and Chateau de Haute-Serre. In 2008 Bertrand wanted to increase the quality of his wines and started working with Paul. It really shows. The Prince of Denmark, also a vintner (he is married to the Queen of Denmark), hosted a tasting and tour of his Chateau de Caix. A non-wine highlight was an early morning hot air balloon flight over the vineyards.

We flew to Paris and then on to Toulouse, which is the 4^th largest city in France (1.1 million people in the metro area) after Paris, Marseille and Lyon. It was the capital of the former province of Languedoc and is now the main city of the Midi-Pyrenees region, the largest in France. It was less than an hour’s drive to Cahors which is in the Department of Lot within the Midi-Pyrenees region and has a population of about 30,000. This is a medieval city surrounded by the Lot River whose number one attraction is the Valentre Bridge. The bridge building (UNESCO listed) began in 1308 and was completed in 1378. It has three towers and was used for medieval defense of the city. In that century Cahors was a center of finance for Europe. French leader Leon Gambetta (1838-1882) was born there (his statue sits in Place Mitterrand), as was Pope John XXII.

Other interesting attractions in and around town are: Musee Henri Martin featuring works by the painter and an exhibit of the city’s most famous son, Leon Gambetta. Shop at the various truffle markets for the “black diamonds.” See the many “moulins” or windmills. Chanterie is a local museum devoted to wine. Saint-Etienne Cathedral (UNESCO listed) is the home to a museum of religious art and is a fine example of gothic architecture. Try to get to one of the painted caves featuring paintings and engravings dating back more than 20,000 years. There is a limit of 700 visitors a day so book in advance.

Cahors is an Appellation d’Origine Controllee´ (AOC), which is part of the South West France wine region. The AOC Cahors can only be used for red wines. There must be a minimum of 70% Malbec in any wine called Cahors with the 30% balance Merlot and/or Tannat. The grape is known locally as Cot, Cot Noir or Auxerrois. The name Malbec can appear on the label if at least 85% of the blend is Malbec. Malbec only fully ripens at the beginning of October. Hence the weather in September is especially important to a successfully produced Cahors. This is the only AOC in Southwest France to prohibit the use of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines can be quite tannic when young and definitely benefit from aging. There are many producers making a new style Cahors wine that is ready to drink when bottled. Although many growers produce white and rose wines, they cannot have the Cahors appellation which is solely for red wines. It was 90 degrees when I started tasting wines on the Valentre Bridge and I chose to only taste rose wines that hot afternoon. All the wines served during the conference used the Cahors ring-stemmed glass, which had an excellent resistance to breakage yet offered perfect transparence. 11% of the total acreage of Malbec worldwide comes from Cahors (19.5% if you include all of France), a total of 1.8 million cases. Argentina has over 71% of the Malbec plantings. It was brought to Argentina in the mid 19^th Century by a French agronomist as a government program to improve all aspects of Argentine Agriculture.

There are Tender & Fruity Cahors wines that are 70-85% Malbec. They pair well with white meat, roast poultry or grilled meat. Their light tannins go with a mixed salad or fish casserole and most Provencal dishes. The Feisty & Powerful Cahors wines are 85-100% Malbec. These wines boast complex fruit. Duck breasts and Quercy lamb are their perfect partners. Try with crepes, walnuts and chestnuts. With age and once their tannins have softened they go well with cheese. Finally, there are the Intense & Complex Cahors wines which are 100% Malbec. The passing of the years makes them the perfect partner for lamb, foie gras, truffles and wild mushrooms. Rabbit with prunes, deer with cranberries and pear cooked in wine call for the “Black Wine of Cahors.”

The first vines were planted around 50 BC and during the Middle Ages the wine was known as “the black wine” (Vin noir). Tsar Peter the Great of Russia chose Cahors to be the Mass wine of the Russian Orthodox Church. Phylloxera destroyed the vineyards at the end of the 19^th century. In February 1956, Cahors had severe frost, which once again destroyed almost all the vineyards. They were soon replanted and Cahors was awarded their AOC status in 1971. The vineyards are an equal distance from the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees Mountains. They are about 35 miles in length and 18 miles in width. Typical aromas characterize the terroirs of Cahors: violet, menthol, truffle, black currant, cherry, licorice and vanilla. During the second half of the 19^th century Argentina adopted the Malbec of Cahors in the Mendoza region, at the foot of the Andes. Argentine Malbec has been rising in popularity over the past few years, as it provides the grape with a suitable climate for it’s ripening. Almost all of Argentina’s wine growing regions can support the growth of the Malbec grape as they are at high altitudes and sheltered from the rainfall from the Andes, providing the grape with around 320 days of sunshine a year.

Best Restaurants & Hotels of Cahors-

Ll Table de Haute-Serre (Cieurac)- A unique stone cellar restaurant with inventive cuisine that combines terroir and modernity, associating local products that follow the seasons. Located at the winery Chateau de Haute-Serre. Same owners (Georges Vigouroux) as Chateau de Mercues. www.hautserre.fr

Le Marche´- Refined and creative cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. www.restaurantlemarche.com

Le Bateau au Fil des Doucceurs- A large barge restaurant with traditional Southwest French cuisine.

Le Vinois(Caillac)- 10 minutes from Cahors. Refined and creative cuisine in a contemporary setting.  3 Star Hotel has 10 rooms. www.levinois.com

Chateau de Mercues- A 4 Star Relais & Chateaux property in a 13^th Century castle with 24 rooms and 6 suites overlooking the town & vineyards. Their 1 Star Michelin restaurant has a large underground wine cellar. www.chateaudemercues.com

Hotel Terminus. A 3 Star hotel built in 1900, in the center of Cahors, by the railroad station. Le Balandre restaurant has a 6-course Carte Blanche dinner and offers cooking classes. www.balandre.com

La Bergerie- Located 5 minutes from Cahors is a 3 Star charming hotel with beautiful gardens. www.labergerie-lot.com

La Truite Doree- 15 minutes from Cahors in an old coach inn run by the same family for 5 generations. www.latruitedoree.fr

La Garenne- Savory traditional cuisine in a restored barn.

San Diego Fulfills Leisure Time Expectations.

By Bobbie Green

When the snow is piled high in other parts of the world, the mild year-round weather in close by Southern California city of San Diego is a big draw to tourist. When triple digits hit the desert this cooler coastal town lures desert dwellers to a get-away vacation there.

San Diego offers a fun time anytime. If the weather is too cool to swim or ski in the beautiful Mission Bay, you can always enjoy the fifteen museums in Balboa Park.  This time around we went to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. What a delightfully fun place.  The local model railroad clubs set up the intricate and very detailed displays of our nation’s railroads and their route’s.  Your home town may be represented there or maybe the plant or warehouse you worked in at one time, along with landmarks like Mel’s Diner. The trains are running and unlike mine, they stay on the tracks.  It is apparent the set up is truly an arduous labor of love—with visitors being the benefactors.

Those who visit Balboa Park will find parking in the Inspiration Point parking lot and can take the free tram to on/off points though out the park including the zoo. One can spend 3 hours or three days in this park of art and culture.

Another popular attraction is the USS Midway, a legend in its time. Her career spanned 47 years. She was decommissioned in 1992 and has been open to the public at the Navy Pier, near Sea Port Village, in San Diego since 2004. This aircraft carrier served her country longer than any other to date. The USS Midway was the first ship built too large for the Panama Canal. Visitors today can not only see all the decks, crew quarters and mess halls, the flight deck has approximately 22 fighter planes and helicopters on display. Some have ladders allowing visitors to sit in the cockpit. Exhibits on the Hangar deck include a children’s section where they may enjoy simulator rides. Allow yourself plenty of time and wear comfortable shoes, Ladies no heels.

From the Flight deck on the Midway you get a view of the 25-foot tall statue “Unconditional Surrender” sculpted by J. Seward Johnson. The statue is fashioned after the famous photo taken on V-Day in New York of a sailor kissing the first women he saw, which happened to be a nurse. It sits just at the edge of the Bob Hope Memorial Plaza.

Next door to the Midway you can get tickets to the Harbor Tour, either a one or two-hour tour with a knowledgeable narrator. He gives a little history and details about the harbor scene and much information about the many navy ships that are in port that day.

Amid all these attractions is Sea Port Village with its shopping and many dining choices.  My favorite is still Anthony’s Fish Grotto, serving San Diego since 1946 with home-style seafood at reasonable prices.  The Restaurant sits on the waterfront next to the Harbor Tours Booth.

Tourist can park their cars and get around town on Old Town Trolley that offers on/off locations at most attractions and tourist spots. Their trolley runs frequently, on time and locations are well marked.  The new guy in town, VIzit Tours with the double Decker Bus (Big in San Francisco) has not worked out all the bugs in their routes yet and on/off

locations are not clearly marked. The top of the bus is fun to be on and hopefully they will soon get it together with a map of locations.

The trendy Gaslamp Quarter is great for restaurants and night life. And everyone wants to make a stop in and see colorful Old Town and eat Mexican food.

We stayed at the Hyatt Mission Bay and had a fantastic view of the bay and the ocean. We could even see the old wooden roller coaster. The bedding in the rooms was especially nice and their pools are simply beautiful. The Old town Trolley even has a stop there. How convenient is that?

A memorable experience for all ages can be had in San Diego.

Sedona, AZ Enchants Visitors

By Bobbie Green

Sedona Arizona has enchanted over a million visitors with its red rock formations, beautifully sculpted though millions of years. The ancient Native Americans believed the area to be sacred land and their ancient ruins are scattered thought out the region.

Today Sedona is a culture center for the arts and home to many famous artists. Visitors enjoy four-star resorts, restaurants and championship golf courses. Sedona offers one-of-a-kind shopping and has many state and national parks nearby. The area is made for tourism.

A must for visitors is one of the adventure tours. We took the famous Pink Jeep Tour to the 700 hundred-year old Sinaguan Cliff Dwellings. We were not disappointed, and were amazed at what we saw and learned from the knowledgeable guide. Among the tidbits of ancient history and culture, I learned why the jeeps are painted Pink–because the original developer of the tours vacationed in Hawaii at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel (the one our CasaBlanca Hotel is modeled after) and his wife like the pink color.

After we left the jeep, our short trek to the dwelling took us back in time where we could see how the ancient ones lived and view their culture through the rock art they left us.

I was astounded to see what looks like our solar system depicted on the rocks inside their dwellings.  There were many surprising depictions that make you wonder how and why.

Of course the art has been dated by experts, but I am amazed it has survived the elements for so long a time and yet fascinated by the fact that we can view it so clearly. Our guide revealed to us the meanings and myths of the rock art.

I found tourism to Sedona, even with this down economy, is still healthy. In fact, traffic is quite a drawback.  Taking tours proved to be one way to get around the problem.  The Sedona Trolley has two different routes to take.  One makes a stop at the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross– photo-bugs will not want to miss this photo-op.  The trolley driver narrates telling about the sights you are seeing. I found it a relaxing way to get around the local area and learn a bit about the town.          

I recommend staying in town at a hotel where you can walk to most places and restaurants or the Inn of Sedona, where I stayed. It is located on a hilltop, not walking distance to town, but they have a shuttle, on demand, to take you to town or a restaurant and return to pick you up–again, another relaxing way to get around without having to drive in all the traffic yourself. The real draw to this hotel is the view. The hotel was built on multi levels, each room having a grand balcony and view of the red rock formations. Sunset is gorgeous. Even though it is a Best Western, the hotel is older and the rooms not as large as the newer Best Western.  The great deck area and the view make up for the smaller rooms. The Hotel concierge provided more than fantastic service to all their patrons.

Dining in Sedona is complicated, there are so many choices. Here are a few I can recommend.  The locals wait in line to get a deli sandwich at “Sedona Memories” located downtown. Sandwiches served loudly, New York style. The beautiful Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa is home to “Reds” restaurant a classic dinning spot with tasty food and live soft and mellow music provided by Simon Crown. Be sure to check out the definitive hotel lobby.

Fun Southwestern food can be found at the colorful “Barking Frog” owned by the brother of a Park City Utah restaurant of the same name. Patio dining seems to be a lunchtime favorite.         

It is always fun just to take a stroll on Main Street downtown and check out the one-of-a-kind shopping and sometimes the one-of-a-kind pedestrian.

Trip Advisor list Sedona as one of the “Top 100 places to visit in the World.”

An Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson, MO.

By Bobbie Green

The hills are alive with the sights and sounds of Christmas, welcome to an Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson Missouri.

It is hard to find a town that celebrates the Christmas Season bigger, better and brighter than Branson Missouri. The world is invited to this little tourist town to enjoy the Christmas Season in a community where its citizens openly honor God and County. American Service men and women are honored in almost every theater production. The Nativity scene is displayed as prominently as Santa. How refreshing, how politically incorrect and how wonderful. The town has decked its streets and halls with Christmas beautifully.

The most wonderful time of the year in Branson begins on November 1.  Branson puts on a Christmas Promenade the first week-end in November. Many of the towns entertainers like Tony Orlando, the Lennon Sisters, Debbie Boon, and the Hughes Bros donned their gay apparel for the Promenade. Many performed live during the parade for us, including the Blues Brothers who brought quite a roar from the crowd. Andy Williams was the Grand Marshall.

This year the Mabe family, known as The Baldknobbers, are celebrating their 50^th year of their live music show in Branson.  They were the ones who started it all by providing entertainment for the fishermen.

Fifty years later Branson is the Live Music Show Capital of the World with over 100 live shows and performances morning, noon and night.

The shows give an unbelievable variety of music and entertainment choices. From Country singers to Shoji’s violin playing western then classical, the Twelve Irish Tenors singing Opera and the Blues Brothers jiving, pure family entertainment for all ages.

No one should miss seeing the Yakov Smirnoff show. It is guaranteed, you will walk away with your side hurting from laughter, tears in your eyes and a renewed pride in being an American. Each of the Branson theaters are elegantly decorated for Christmas.

Another must see is the “Trail of Lights”, a drive-thru animation display on the grounds of the Shepherd of the Hills.   Allow a least one hour, if it is not crowded, to view the now famous “Trail that Nobody Know How Old” into a holiday wonderland. You will travel through different lands of holiday music, characters and lights sure to put you in a festive mood. At the end of the tour you will be at Inspiration Tower, a 230 foot tower that is decked out to be a huge Christmas tree during the holiday season. While pretty to look at in the darkness of night, I recommend taking the evaluator to the top during the daylight hours to get the best grand view of the area. The staff begins the holiday decorating in July to be ready for November 1. The Shepherd of the Hills outdoor drama is a summertime theater production.

If you are looking for a grandiose state of the art production, the innovative Sight & Sound Theatres fills the bill. The newest Christian Broadway Theater is now in Branson. During the Christmas season you will witness the Christmas story with live animals, 40-foot-high sets, incredible special effects and a cast of 40. The theater boasts of a 300-foot long wrap around stage. The 2000 seat theater was full at the performance I attended. The beautiful lobby displays a 30-foot tall adorned Christmas tree centered under the 54-foot tall interior dome. Other than the Christmas season the production is Noah, The Musical.  The animals live on sight in a special barn in the cellar. They are brought to the stage level on performance nights, where they each have their own dressing room equipped with a wall to wall gel pad on the floor to ease their standing time and something soft to lay on. I wish my kitchen floor was so equipped.

Where to stay when visiting Branson? There are many choices from budget motels to full service luxury hotels.  I can recommend Branson’s landing area.  There are two Hilton Hotels with water views and within walking distance to the old town shopping and Dick’s five and Dime Store.  Branson’s Landing has combined shopping and dinning along the pedestrian only street. Located in the center is an event area large enough for 5,000 people. From here you can watch the amazing water fountain show along the Taneycomo

Lake, that fronts to the center square at the landing.  A new business to the landing market place is the Branson Ridge Winery located just off the main square. They hosted a group of us writers; we were all impressed with the wine and their sandwiches. The Branson Landing area is a fun place to be. Center Square is home to the huge lighted Christmas tree during the season.  I cannot list all the fun places in one article, there will be another.

The Chamber of Commerce tells me many families scattered throughout the states meet in Branson to celebrate either Thanksgiving or Christmas, what a great idea.

I can’t think of a better place to get in the holiday spirit. Branson Missouri, reminds everyone of the reason for the season.

VISITING VANCOUVER

Inviting Vancouver Makes Sightseeing Easy

By Bobbie Green

In January 2008 Travel Weekly Magazine acknowledged Vancouver as the top Canadian destination for 2007, in 2006 Conde`Nast Traveler named Vancouver “Best City in the Americas.” This versatile Canadian city is soon to be home to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympics winter games, welcomes visitors with its beauty and its user friendly airport. Vancouver International airport houses a full-service drugstore, walk-in dental centre, and medical clinic and laboratory services. There is a nursery and several play areas for children and of course the standards, wireless for laptops and a health club. There is a full service hotel at the airport. It would be wonderful for travelers if all major airports had these facilities.

The area of Vancouver was first claimed by Spain in the 1500’s The Colony of Vancouver was chartered in 1849 and soon became part of British Columbia. Present day Vancouver is a beautiful city with many attractions for its many visitors. The city is bustling with activity now getting ready for the winter Olympics by building on to their rapid transit system including a line running from Vancouver airport to the Olympic Village. All this activity did not impede my short visit in any way,

One could stay busy for at least 6 days sight seeing around the city. Most visitors are not there that long. I would recommend visitors take the hop-on-hop-off Big Bus for an overview of the city. After taking the full 90-minute tour and hearing the narration one can stay aboard and ride to the area of your interest, get off and explore and board a later bus back. This is an affordable way to see the city sights. Ask your hotel concierge or the visitor’s center for a schedule and stop locations. Their vehicles are either a double decked bus or half in and half open air bus. I call it the fun bus.

Vancouver also has a hop-on-hop-off Trolley which does include some stops that differ from the bus.

One of my fun stops was at Stanley Park where I explored the Vancouver Aquarium. It was very nicely laid out with a Tropic Zone, Amazon Rainforest, Strait of Georgia exhibits and everyone’s favorite a giant pacific octopus. They have an outdoor snack area sitting between two of three pools one of arctic beluga white whales and the Otter and seals. It is amusing to be there at feeding time, there are many optimal places to view the feeding of the dolphins, otters, seals and whales. The short walk from the bus stop to the aquarium is of course beautiful since you are inside Stanley Park with numerous varieties of vegetation and the famous rose garden when in blooming season.

Everyone wants off to see Gas Town, the historic part of the city with the famous steam clock. “Gassy Jack” Deighton showed up at this site with a Indian wife, mother-in-law and barrel of whisky in 1867. He told the working men from the near-by wood mill he had whisky but no place to sell it from. It is said in 24 hours the men built him a saloon and the settlement that grew from that became know as Gas Town because John Deighton liked to talk he was known as “Gassy Jack.” Visitor’s like stroll along the streets checking out the character restaurants and designer boutiques.

I made a quick trip through Yaletown, an old redbrick warehouse district that has been transformed into a very trendy, inviting atmosphere with some of the city’s best restaurants and is definitely the in place to be for nightlife. I had dinner at a popular casual dinning steak house called Hamilton Street Grill.

Its owner and chef Neil Wyles is a amiable fellow who loves being a chef and owning the restaurant, where he can create dishes and interact with his guest. My food was cooked to perfection and the locals are steady customers. Many of the shops and restaurants are sitting on the original loading docks for the trains and the streets are at different heights. Contemporary high-rise condos surround the area and yet the original train roundhouse is still in place with Engine 374 still sitting there for all to see.

Vancouver enjoys the mildest weather in Canada and its waterfront area is stunning. The down town area is a good place to stay, there is much to see, easy walking to sights or transportation. One can walk to the waterfront from the business section of town.

Whether you are planning to attend the Olympics, embark on a cruise ship or just want to have the pleasure of a fun city to visit without leaving the continent, versatile Vancouver will fill the bill

IF YOU GO

Tourism Vancouver

604-631-2873

www.tourismvancouver.com

www.vancouver2010.com –Olympics

Big Bus

1-877-299-0701

www.bigbus.ca

Vancouver Trolley Co

604-801-5515

Vancouvertrolley.com

St George Executive Shuttle

888-394-8002

Calgary Alberta, Cross Roads City

By Bobbie Green

Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, at the cross roads of two major Highway systems, The Trans Canada Highway and the Canamex Corridor sits the tourist destination city of Calgary. Best know for its Stampede, the largest outdoor rodeo in the world, the Stampede attracts 12 million visitors per year for ten day in July. Visitors wishing to avoid the crowds will find plenty of attractions, off the Stampede path, at a less congested time of the year.

Visitors will find the downtown area a convenient location to stay, with hotels like the Palliser Fairmont, where I stayed, the Calgary Marriott, Hyatt Regency and others all within walking distance to many attractions as well as the rail station and the free c-train, I counted seven live performance theaters as I strolled around the area including Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts. The famous Stephens Ave Walk shopping area is only a block away.

Fort Calgary, where the city was born, also in walking distance, proved to be quite an informational source of Canadian and Calgary history. There is not much left of the fort but a few barrack buildings still in place. The interpretive center is small but informative with interesting displays of the historic North West Mounted Police, as they were known when first formed in 1873. Later they became know as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. In May of 2009 they celebrated their 136^th birthday at Fort Calgary. The center describes the hardships of the men who brought law and order to the North West Territory. They seem to be as tough as the men in America’s Lewis and Clark expedition. The Deane’s House was located on the fort grounds and was built for Captain Richard Deane in 1906. In 1929 it was privately purchased and moved across the Elbow River on skids and pilings and pulled by a tractor to its present day site just a short walk from the Fort Museum. It is possibly the only all original building from the fort and was designated a Registered Historic Resource. Today, it is operated by the Fort Calgary Preservation Society as a Restaurant, generating revenue for operating cost of the fort. When in Calgary do not miss the opportunity to eat there. I can still taste that wonderful hamburger with the homemade bun and tomato jam. The dinning room overlooks the river and is very pleasant, but that hamburger would taste delicious eating it in a ditch.

The next attraction visitors should not miss is the Glenbow Museum. It is a huge four story museum just 2 short blocks away from the Fairmont and Marriott hotels. Allow yourself a minimum of three hours to enjoy this masterpiece museum. Beautiful exhibits are on display of the Blackfoot people, the history of Western Canada, the men and their stories, the Aboriginal people and world class Asian Sculptures. I loved the way they presented the First Nation people stories with the original story cloths, usually painted on a hide, and a film with a tribe member telling the stories and a printed hand out of the stories for visitors to take home. It drew one’s interest much more than just viewing the story cloth. They did similar presentations with the Western Canadian history section. There is even a little local owned snack shop on the first floor where one can take a break from their long day and get home made soup and sandwiches on homemade bread.

The Calgary Tower is located next to the train station, it is a bit pricey to go up and if you want to eat in the restaurant you must make a reservation, but you will get a 360 degree view of the city. One may even walk on the glass floor if you stomach can take it.

All in all Calgary is a destination city for vacationers. It is clean and surrounded by scenic landscapes and rivers. It has many attractions and fun things to do in and around the city. I have only mentioned a few of the less publicized therefore least crowded tourist attractions. When the Stampede is over the rest of Calgary is waiting to be explored.

IF YOU GO

Calgary visitors Bureau

1-800-661-1678

www.tourismcalgary.com

Fort Calgary Interpretive Center

403-290-1875

info@fortcalgary.com

Fairmont Palliser Hotel

1-800-231-0644

www.fairmont.com/palliser

Glenbow Museum

403-268-4100

www.glenbow.org

Angels Camp a noteworthy stop in Gold Country

By Bobbie Green

In the late 1840’s the discovery of gold in the Sierra Nevada foothills area of California brought on a rush of gold seekers, the miners established many new towns. These historical little towns are testimony to American development and make informative and fun get-a-ways and vacations.

Angels Camp, one of the Gold Rush town founded in 1849, is located in Calaveras County along Hwy 49. In the towns hey day there were about 4, ooo miners. Today its population is around 3,000. The entire town is honeycombed with miles of mine tunnels. Tourist can visit the past at the Angels Camp Museum featuring carriages, wagons and gold mining equipment, and Main Street is still functioning within original buildings.  However unlike Columbia, this town is not all historic, this is the place visiting golfers and wine enthusiast can get their fix.

Calaveras County is home to many vineyards, especially around the little town of Murphys. Only a short drive from Angeles Camp on Hwy 4, visitors can enjoy the quaint little town that is known for wine tasting from the local vineyards.

Visitors park their cars and walking up and down the main street will find 12 wineries spread in between the boutique shops and best of all the tasting is free and served by a friendly host.

I recommend the good food, and a unique menu found at the Murphys Historic Hotel Restaurant.

From the town of Murphys there is a sign saying Ironstone Vineyards, this is one vineyard visitors do not want to miss. Only a few minutes by car this family owned winery has achieved a level of fame not only for their wines but also for the beautiful culture & arts milieu they have created on their grounds.

The Visitors center has a 36 foot long tasting bar and an enormous stone fire place 42 feet high 13 feet deep and 16 feet wide. Visitors are given a free tour of the winery and grounds, do not miss it. The tour includes the Amphitheatre and lakeside park with multitudes of seasonal flowers. They have a 1927, 15 rank pipe organ in the Alhambra Theatre which is played for guests on the tour.

This winery is phenomenal. The small museum houses local Native American art and, books etc. and the largest specimen of crystalline gold in the world. It was found in near-by Tuolumne County in 1992. Crystalline gold is the rarest form of gold and a rare treat to see. This 1150 acre winery estate is home to many special events, concerts, weddings, car shows and such.

Also in this area there are two caverns to visit, Moaning Cavern offers visitors a chance to repel 165 feet down into the cave or take a guided walking tour.  Mercer Caverns is a subterranean wonderland with unusual crystalline formations, stalactites and stalagmites. There are many stairs, but they are graduated.

Angeles Camp is the perfect location for your stay while visiting these sites.

Greenhorn Creek Vacation Cottages proved to be the perfect place for us.

These rentals sit on the 18-hole, par 72 tree lined Greenhorn Creek Golf Course. The stay includes all the amenities like pool, fitness center etc. for guest to enjoy. This Trent Jones redesigned golf course was built around three historical sites, the Rock Wall and Well on #4, the Chinese Oven on #5 and the Tree Well on #17.

A dedication and monument on the #1 hole honors the firemen lost on 9/11. The Andy Fredrick’s Memorial Golf Tournament is held here each year.

I found Greenhorn Creek to be very inviting and I especially liked the French Onion Soup served in the Camps Restaurant.

Angel Camp is home to the annual “Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee” the third week May. This event is attended by 4000 frogs and 50,000 people during the 5 day event.

Gold Country is still beckoning to fulfill visitor’s dreams, be it a hole-in- one or a fun filled day at the winery or finding a gold nugget.

IF YOU GO

Calaveras Visitors Bureau

800-225-3764

info@gocalaveras.com

Greenhorn Creek Resort

209-729-8159

www.greenhorncreekvacationcottages.com

Ironstone Vineyards

209-728-1251

www.ironstonevineyars.com

Beat the Heat in Family Friendly Big Bear

By Bobbie Green                           

For a change of pace this summer mingle among the Jeffery Pines and the red barked incense cedar trees in Big Bear California. At a cool 7,000 feet Big Bear also offers 20 Endemic wildflowers not seen anywhere else in the world. But the real attraction here is the abundance of summertime multi-generational family fun.

Families who take up Big Bear’s boasting offer to provide attractions and entertainment for the whole family will not be disappointed. Although known for its winter skiing, summertime fun is plentiful. Off-roading in Big Bear gives adventurers plenty of mining sites, challenging early wagon routes and historic roads to explore. If you do not have your own vehicle to use there are companies like Big Bear Off-Road Adventures who will take the whole family in enough comfort for grandma, or as few as two, into the wild with a very knowledgeable guide. From the guide you will see and hear the history of the area, the varied plant and animal life, a genuine fun learning experience. We stopped at the old Bellville gold camp site. Here we could see what they call the Van Dusen cabin. The huge site at one time held many gold rush tents and cabins creating a temporary town. Near by is an un-picturesque tree stump, this was the hanging tree. Each time they hung someone they cut off the limb. In this gold rush camp they hung so many the tree died, so said our guide Doug Walton. One will have to hunt far to find someone who knows the area and its history as well as Doug.

The beautiful lake, which still has plenty of water, offers one many pleasures. Swimming, boating, jet ski’s canoeing and kayaking. If you are not a seasoned fisherman with your own boat, may I offer you my recommendation of Cantrell Fishing and Guide Service? They offer the visitor a covered pontoon boat that can hold up to 10 people. They “Guarantee you will catch a fish”. Their boat is equipped with a state-of-art fish finder. The key word here is covered; Mom or Grandma can watch their child or Grandchild catch their 1st fish without messing up their hair-do. I call that a plus. They are professionally licensed fishing guides and amateur entertainers. The wait time that can sometimes be classified as boring is now filled with family friendly jokes and great fishing advice. My term for this tour is Gentleman’s fishing at it best.

The Big Bear Discovery Center works with the National Forest Association to bring enrichment to every resident and visitor to Big Bear. They have an interesting visitor center with many stuffed alpine animals and birds. They offer many classes, hikes and guided canoe and kayaking tours. Yes, they will teach you how to paddle. They have a Summer Campfire Series that includes Moonridge Animal Park, Lightning Show, Astronomy Program and Adventure Travel Series.

Again on the lake are the larger boat tours. The paddle wheels have been an attraction on Big Bear Lake for 50 years. The newest edition is the Pine Knot Landing Boat Tour with a pleasant 90 minute narrated tour on a very comfortable boat for a leisurely change of pace.

If you are a golf addict, have no fear, you can get your fix at the Big Bear Mountain Golf Course. The course is a nine hole but, you can play 18, it has a rustic look to it, fitting right into the Big Bear terrain. What’s special here is the laid-back friendliness of the staff and a couple of unique tees.

An absolute must see is the Moonridge Animal Park, known as the Big Bear Zoo. It is the only true alpine zoo in the country. The animals here are only high mountain species. Yes they have grizzly bears even a three legged one. You can see a bald eagle up close. Even though they have great wildlife and birds to see, it is a small intimate zoo and seniors can handle it. I saw wheelchair visitors there. Tip; 3:00pm is the feeding tour, Kids and dads love it. Mom may gross out.

Ladies, while your guys are out doing guy things you can live without, the Elevations day spa will sooth your soul with what ever treatment you choose. They are the only full service spa in Big Bear and feature a Vichy shower head in their wet room. This means your end of treatment shower can be taken while lying down on a shower table with a drain. Need I say more?

While you are there you must eat. If you have a grizzly size appetites try Grizzly’s Cafe on the Boulevard. It is the locals place with all the flavor of the small mountain town. You will get a fabulous mountain of a hamburger or grizzly size hot cakes with a dose of local politics with humor. They are only open for breakfast and lunch. If you are looking for Big Bear atmosphere for dinner try Captains Anchor. A lively old place once owned by Andy Divine. The better than average meals include a soup and salad bar. The place sports a copper topped bar in the saloon room that locals say is haunted. Who knows, the bar bottles may fly while you are there.

Another absolute must is dinner at the Mandoline Bistro located in the village. This is truly a dinning experience. One can get good meals in many places, but to get ordinary foods made elegant by decadent flavors honed and skillfully crafted together within a artist touch is a rare, beautiful and a lip smacking treat. The menu is one of a kind with original dishes created by the owner Larry Cummings. Do try his original Guava Juice Margarita. Yum Yum.

When looking for a place to stay Big Bear can accommodate all needs, B&B’s motels, RV parks and cabin rentals. Big Bear Vacation Rentals also specialize in fully equipped private home rentals large and small. Ours overlooked the golf course, TV’s in every room; surround a sound and a hot tub and a lovely huge kitchen, which I choose not to use. The cool inviting mountain of Big Bear welcomes intimate getaways to group retreats.

The hidden valley was discovered by Benjamin Wilson in 1845 while looking for game he came across the valley with the Big Bears wandering in it, the Grizzlies, other mountain men came to hunt and found gold. The wild Grizzly roams no more, however there are black bear. The Valley is no longer hidden, but waiting with open arms for all to enjoy its many amities winter and summer.

IF YOU GO

Big Bear Lake Resort Association

Log on for list of summer events.

909-866-6190

www.bigbear.com

Big Bear Off-Road Excursions

909-585-1036

www.offroadadventure.com

Bear Mountain Golf Course

909-585-8002

Cantrell Fishing Service

909-585-4017

Elevations Day spa

909-866-7405 or 951-314-4079

Big Bear Discovery Center

909-866-3437

www.bigbeardiscoverycenter.com

Moonridge Animal Park

909-878-4200

Big Bear Vacation Rentals

909-866-8200

Oklahoma City

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Grand Canyon

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RUSSIA

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ALPHABET SOUP 1

Mount Carmel Junction, Utah Center for Near-by Attractions

By Bobbie Green

Mount Carmel Junction is proving to be the perfect base location for near-by attractions. Located 12 miles from the east entrance to Zion National Park and from the west and I-15 one drives through the beautiful park to reach the less crowded Mount Carmel Junction and begin your fun get-a-way.

Coming from I-15 Hwy 9 goes through the quaint little town of Springdale, the western gateway to Zion National Park where one may want to stop and shop in the many gift and art shops. I can recommend Oscars Deli for lunch. However they were so busy I could not find out why their huge delicious hamburgers were called Bill’s Burgers instead of Oscar Burgers. Majestic View Lodge offers very nice luxury rooms all with balconies and they have an on-site brewery in the basement. The Zion Canyon Brewing Company offering Springdale brewed beer, as well as a North American Wildlife Museum located just off the lobby featuring 3000 square feet of displays delighting kids and cameras. Admission is free.

Best Western Zion Inn is a great place to stay with kids. Their property behind the Motel has paths down to the Virgin River and a small pond.

Along the trail there are volley ball and basket ball courts.

The shuttle service in town is free stopping at most all of the hotels and restaurants. They also take you into the park and run daily from 5:30AM to 11:00pm. The shuttle running through Zion drops off and picks up at all major sites and trailheads. If you are not stopping to hike I recommend taking the shuttle for the 90 minute tour after 5PM. There are less people on the bus and the setting sun does wonderful special effects off the mountain cliffs.

The Tanner Amphitheater seating 2000 people sits amid the stunning cliffs of Zion National Park in Springdale. As part of Dixie State College they present a Summer Concert Series held each Saturday evening. Schedule is on their website and tickets can be purchased at the gate or Flanigan’s Inn in Springdale. The Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theatre is located at the entrance to the park featuring “Treasure of the Gods” and it is a defiantly not to be missed, thrill and learning experience for all ages. Each evening at 8:00 the 6 story high by 80 foot wide screen theatre shows a Hollywood film. Truly one can’t beat that in your home theater.

On the way to or from Mount Carmel Hwy 9 passes by Zion Mountain Resort where one can stop and watch the buffalo grazing, there is a small restaurant there with all buffalo meat choices on the menu.

Mount Carmel Junction sits at an elevation of 5200 feet, at the junction of scenic Hwy 9 and Hwy 89. This little town is easily overlooked by tourist; many drive right through to Zion, Lake Powel, Moab, etc. without realizing what this little gem, Mount Carmel Junction, has to offer the tourist. Besides being the eastern gateway to Zion National Park it is conveniently located to many other tourist attractions, only 17 miles from Kanab, 59 miles from great fishing in Panguitch Lake, only 12 miles from the Pink Coral Sand Dunes, 60 miles to Bryce, and 9 miles to the Grand Staircase. There are unlimited activities and attractions one can see and do from Mount Carmel Junction including the attractions in Zion National Park.

The history of Mount Carmel Junction goes back as far as Zion Park itself. The very first settlers were the prehistoric Virgin Anasazi who camped along the Virgin River. Then in 1919 a congressional bill was signed designating Zion National Park.

In 1923 the eastern entrance road to the park was being considered. About that time the tenacious Jack Morrison an ex army engineer came along and began quietly observing the building of the 1.1 mile long Zion tunnel through 2,000 foot thick sandstone and making his own engineering recordings. Jack drove his Model-T up and down the mountain doing his surveying dragging a cedar tree stump tied to the back for control, on the downhill runs, when he decided he knew the course the new road would have to take he promptly homesteaded the rough land covered with gullies and quicksand. Jack had married a feisty hard working girl he met in Soldier Summit Utah, Fern Hanson. Together they worked building small strategic dams to stop flooding and produce land fill. The golf course built in 1966 sits on the land fill. All together they had four children. But two drowned at a young age in the flood prone Virgin River. Fern built a lean-to and began selling her home made pies to the road travelers. Then a gas station with pies and in 1940 the original Thunderbird restaurant. Though the years they added land to their acreage and in order to retain their full share of Utah water rights they built a golf course. Jack died in 1961 and Fern continued on with their visions. The first set of motel rooms were completed in 1969. They were designed by a handpicked student of Frank Lloyd Wright. These unique rooms sit right on the golf course. Later she would add 38 additional rooms. By now Fern’s delicious Pies were famous and advertised as Jack had done. “Home of the ho– made pies.” Of course ho did not have the same meaning then as now. Fern died at age 90 in 1998. Fern and Jacks traditions have been kept alive and the Best Western Thunderbird Lodge, RV Park and Golf Course are still family owned and operated by Fern’s Grandchildren. The same yummy ho- made pies are being sold, including strawberry-rhubarb, the laid back atmosphere and friendliness of owner and staff are still present. This is evidenced by the in room guest directory. It not only gives explicit property information but goes on to list all the near by attraction with hiking or AVT trail information written by someone who has been there, done that. Zion trails, Bryce trails. They even have a 5 day stay itinerary laid out in detail. East Zion is home to the incredible winding tunnels of Red Cave where scenes from Zion’s Treasurer of the Gods were filmed and other slot canyons like Peek-a-Boo and Red Hollow. Owner Ed has maps for those interested in local canyon trails, just ask for them. He knows the area and is willing to share his knowledge with his guests. If you own a jeep or off road vehicle bring it.

Today the Thunderbird Lodge restaurant has a varied menu and the beautiful modern southwestern style building is built around the old original building Jack and Fern first built. They have quite a large gift shop, but if you are looking for turquoise the Trading Post across the street has an extensive selection of Hopi, Zuni and Navajo jewelry.

For the golfer this is the place. Mount Carmel Junction stays under 100 degrees all summer. This 9-hole par 3 and 4 course delivers un-crowded heat relief for desert dwellers. The higher elevation allows for cooler mornings and evenings. Great golf packages are offered by the hotel, they also offer group packages for 10 or more. The course is surrounded by the mountains and wildlife is frequently seen in the evenings. The well kept but laid-back course puts one in mind of the old Beaver Dam Course we all enjoyed. Golf prices, they make you an offer you just can’t refuse. See prices below. If you have an RV there is even a better deal. The Lodge also has a small RV park with full hook-ups but there is no restroom or bath house. Golfing is free to RV’ers

Just 4 miles up Hwy 89 from Mount Carmel Junction is the town of Mount Carmel with a population of 200. There one can see the old stone church that was part of the area history, the wood school and church that the children from Orderville attended by way of covered wagon burnt down in 1919 and a stone building replaced it. It is the only public building left standing in Mount Carmel.

Mount Carmel was also the summer home and studio of renowned artist Maynard Dixon, who painted modern compositions of the American West. Tours are open April 1, through October 31 at the Bingham Gallery on Hwy 89.

The Pink Coral Sand Dunes sound hot but they sit at an elevation of 6000 feet and only 12 miles from Mount Carmel Junction. Off- road enthusiasts love this play area. This State park is open year round and has 22 RV sites and modern restrooms.

Hwy 9 offers tourist many interesting stops. In the town of Virgin one cannot miss seeing Fort Zion sitting boldly on the Highway with its old town façade. It is worth a stop. Inside is a huge trading post/gift shop featuring authentic Indian jewelry. The owner operator makes her own sweet rolls and homemade ice cream, with flavors like cactus pear and huckleberry. Outside is a small petting zoo, all ages seemed to be having fun at the zoo and taking pictures with the old style buildings with the gorgeous vista background. They are open during the summer season only.

Visitors to the area like to stop at the ghost town of Grafton. The turn off is in Rockville and Grafton is about 4 miles down the road. Grafton was one of the first towns settled in the area by the Mormons but they kept getting flooded out so most of them moved to Rockville. Visitors can see the old Cemetery and some of the homes and church left standing there.

With the lower elevation in Mount Carmel Junction one can enjoy golf year round. Zion Park offers breathtaking winter scenery as well as summer.

IF YOU GO

Zion National Park

Campground into

877-444-6777

www.recreation.gov

Fee $25.00 per vehicle

Individual $12.00

Free to Interagency senior pass holders

And Interagency Annual Pass holders

Tanner Amphitheater

435-652-7994

www.dixie.edu/tanner

Ticket $10.00 Youth $5.00

Majestic View Lodge

Springdale

866-772-0665

www.MajesticViewLodge.com

Summer price range

$139.00 standard to $249.00 for Suites

Best Western Zion Inn

Springdale

800-934-7275

www.zionparkinn.com

Summer Price Range

$105.00 -$119

Best Western Thunderbird Inn

Mount Carmel Junction

888-848-6358

www.zionnational-park.com

Summer price range

$92.00-$102.00

Golf

Golf Package $ 130.00 per night & 18 holes of golf with cart

AARP package $109.00 per night 9 holes of golf with cart.

RV’s Golf free $15.00 per night- no pull through sites

Golf Course Utah PGA rated

9-holes $10.00, Cart $5.00 per person

18- $18.00 Cart $5.00 per person

16 and under $12.00- 18-holes

Club rental $5.00

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Campground Reservations

800-322-3770

$14.00 per site

Kane County Tourist office

435-644- 5033

A pleasant getaway suitable for the whole family is a trip to see Nevada history. This small town that once held the attention of the world, Virginia City, famous for its mother load of gold and maker of dreams come true now draws attention for its ability to relay the past to future generations.

Take the scenic route on 341 into Virginia City and plan to spend a full day, even overnight if your time allows. There is plenty of history here to explore.

The streets are paved, but the buildings are original. Boardwalks are still handling the pedestrian traffic. This wild city that once consisted of mostly saloons, gambling hall and bordellos similarly attracted the known gunfighters and gamblers of their day. One can stand at either end of C Street looking up or down and feel the presence of these rough and bigger than life characters and the gunfights that have taken place there.

Many of the saloons are now used for other needs such as souvenir or clothing stores, etc. However originals bars, wall hangings and cabinets are still there. The town has taken care to leave everything as original as they could. I think every magnificent chandelier that was ever used this town, where everyone grew rich, is still on display. It is an amazing sight to see. There are rows of lights in all colors and designs in every saloon, restaurant and store, newspaper office, bookstore and even in the Chamber of commerce, which is now housed inside an old saloon. The old mining town was naturally built on a mountain making your sloping sight seeing strolls a little arduous, if venturing off C Street. Do take the trolley tour for a wider view and interesting information about the town.

Across the Valley you can see the Silver Terrace Cemeteries. You may drive over in your own car. Much of the past is engraved on the tombstones of these famous graveyards.

Virginia City is home to only 900 friendly residents. The Comstock mine is no longer producing silver and gold. Tourism is now their business. There are many fun places to eat and hotel accommodations. The town will host numerous events in 2006. Virginia City is a great place to visit some of our wild and wooly history.

A pleasant getaway suitable for the whole family is a trip to see Nevada history.  This small town that once held the attention of the world, Virginia City, famous for its mother load of gold and maker of dreams come true now draws attention for its ability to relay the past to future generations.

Take the scenic route on 341 into Virginia City and plan to spend a full day, even overnight if your time allows. There is plenty of history here to explore.

The streets are paved, but the buildings are original. Boardwalks are still handling the pedestrian traffic. This wild city that once consisted of mostly saloons, gambling hall and bordellos similarly attracted the known gunfighters and gamblers of their day.  One can stand at either end of C Street looking up or down and feel the presence of these rough and bigger than life characters and the gunfights that have taken place there.

Many of the saloons are now used for other needs such as souvenir or clothing stores, etc. However originals bars, wall hangings and cabinets are still there. The town has taken care to leave everything as original as they could. I think every magnificent chandelier that was ever used this town, where everyone grew rich, is still on display. It is an amazing sight to see.  There are rows of lights in all colors and designs in every saloon, restaurant and store, newspaper office, bookstore and even in the Chamber of commerce, which is now housed inside an old saloon. The old mining town was naturally built on a mountain making your sloping sight seeing strolls a little arduous, if venturing off C Street. Do take the trolley tour for a wider view and interesting information about the town.

Across the Valley you can see the Silver Terrace Cemeteries. You may drive over in your own car. Much of the past is engraved on the tombstones of these famous graveyards.

Virginia City is home to only 900 friendly residents. The Comstock mine is no longer producing silver and gold. Tourism is now their business. There are many fun places to eat and hotel accommodations. The town will host numerous events in 2006. Virginia City is a great place to visit some of our wild and wooly history.

Awesome Venezia: Truly the most poetic pedestrian city in the world.  Even though it has been written about many times over, the first time visitor will

Still be shocked by the amount of tourist all afoot and the pigeons in St Marks Square.  The city built long ago on tree trunks bound together to keep the islands from sinking. The only means of transportation is by boat through the canals. There are no roads. There is no room for automobiles and bicycles are not allowed. Sitting afloat in a beautiful lagoon, Venice is an unparalleled world of its own.

Most first time visitors here are walking around in complete awe, while digesting their geographical location and the objects erected upon it. Certainly the most creative island in the world, being kept afloat by tree   trunks, having the most artistic buildings placed upon it.  The Clock Tower, St Mark’s Basilica, Doges’ Place, and the Archaeological Museum. Four major styles were used when builing. Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance. It seems everything is a work of Art including the bridges, and why the whole of Venice is considered a treasure.  Returning visitors will always find another entrancing place they missed the first time around.

What awed me was watching the city’s functional existence.  Early every morning small colorful boats pilled high with supplies for the restaurants make their deliveries to the back doors, which open to the canals. Wagons, pulled by shop owners, through the narrow winding calli or pathways between the buildings are filled with boxes and barrels. It appears to be a family affair getting ready for the day.  Town Hall authorities are putting corn out for the pigeons in Piazza San Marco. The water ferries are making ready to transport the peoples along the coast to and from work. As these things take place it done Italian style very verbal and colorful to see and hear.

The number of pigeons that can live and multiply on this island because someone feeds them is shocking. The piazza and the sky above are alive with them, including many who like to dive bomb the people in the square.

Taking a Gondola, or water taxi ride in the evening through the smaller canals you find the   locals waving to you from windows or the catch a glimpse of a family gathered around the dinner table. A daytime ride is best to see the architecture of the buildings.  Water taxi’s are plentiful, they take you to your hotel or train station. There are plenty of hotels moderate and luxury. Although Riva Degli (river walk) is the happening place to be, you may not want your hotel room to front that walk. The noise, night and day may override the beauty of the view. True to the movies the wash is always string out between the buildings. Venice is waiting for your visit.

One of the most exciting travel moments I have had is sailing into Venice. One feels as though you sailing through the lagoon directly into the picture postcard. Sailing is my recommended mode of transportation to get to Awe of Venezia.

You will not be disappointed in Venice it is exactly what you have seen pictured.  Tip the gondola rides are expensive. The city is hot and crowed in the summertime.

Travel along the coastal Viking Route among the Shetlands and Orkney Islands and the coast of Scotland and you will take a journey back to the Stone Age. There much ancient history of mankind to explore here. Visitors to this area are amazed to see there is so much more than golf courses in Scotland. The entire area is an archaeologist dream.

The first hint of the world you are about to explore is the terrain. You will see green rolling hills dotted with ancient burial mounds, and miles and miles of beautiful stone fences, but very few trees. .It does take awhile for one to notice the trees are missing. They say long ago there were trees, but it is hard to imagine looking at the surface today. Stones however are a different story. Even after the miles of stone fences, and houses and brocks built centuries ago the terrain is still laden with small rock and stones. After experiencing a day of their gale force winds, I realize nature has provided the area with life sustaining material stone, wood would not do.

Sailing down the coast in a small ship allowed us the freedom to tour the smaller island and port cities where the larger ships cannot maneuver. The ship being a perfect, less hassled way to get to the harder to reach destinations and less frequently visited places. Many of the sites we visited are older than the famous Stonehenge Circle in England, but very similar in structure, such as the Callandish standing stones at Stornoway on the Lewis Island in the Western Isles. Here there is Roman graffiti left on the stones that can be seen and read by all.

The Carloway Broch is also on the island although only one half of it is left standing, it is enough to be one of the best examples left see how they were built and used. The broch is atop a hill; even with the ample pathway some will not be able climb to it. Wear a sturdy shoe. Not a place for sandals.

Kirkwall is an experience. The castle/palace sitting in the mist of town was built for the earl, Patrick Steward. The great thing about the castle is the fact it is just sitting there as is, or was. No one has refurbished it or furnished it. You may walk the halls, feel the large indentations in the steps, wore down by the Seward family. See and feel the enormous size of the kitchen .you can easily imagine the long tables filled with hungry worriers. You can see how each of the stones are fitted together. You can walk the stairway to the large receiving room with the many fireplaces. Walk through the bedrooms, and see even the latrine area. As you get to the third floor you notice there is no roof. According to our guide they sold it. After the castle was abandon someone bought the roof stones. Further outside the town, Neolithic Maes Howe, built 5000 year ago, is standing well preserved for us enter and stand surrounded by the presence of ancient man. One can read the 12th century Viking Crusaders graffiti on the walls of stone. One can also see how cleverly the use of sunlight was projected through the entryway.

Before the pyramids in Egypt were built man was living in Skara Brae on the mainland of the Orkney Islands. This stone-age village is said to be the best-preserved in all of northern Europe. Absolutely fascinating original details in tack, beds, dressers and storage spaces, all made of stone. It is easy to imagine Fred Flintstone in one of the houses. This whole enormous site sits on a rise just above the ocean. The site was exposed during a storm in 1850. It is still being excavated today.

Besides the many mysterious ancients sites of man to explore in this area of the world, the sights of nature are also interesting. If you are lucky enough to be aboard a smaller ship as we were, with zodiacs you can go over to Muckle Flugea. Here you will find a lighthouse and fulfillment of a bird watchers dream, with many birds of different & rare varieties. On the islands you will see the rare breed of the ancient sheep and of course the famous Highland bulls. There are flocks of sheep everywhere, grazing on the rolling green hills. Anyone wishes to see and archeological dig will find this is the place to be. There are numerous digs going on at any giving time.

This article has only touched on a few of the sites left here from the past. The opportunity to visit the many burial sites, ancient stone brocks and houses, and villages are abundant in these islands. They are waiting to be visited by the adventurous and inquisitive that would like to journey back to the Stone Age.

I took this journey aboard the “Clipper Adventurer” a wonderful small ship line that can be booked through Clipper ships or Intrav. They take very good care of their passengers while providing amazing adventures most seniors can enjoy.

Palm Springs- Paradise in the Desert

Ouray, Colorado’s High County

When the air tempter goes up in the west, vacationers head up to the high country to cool down. The town of Silverton Colorado is a well-known favorite of many. Do not by pass going on to Ouray, just 25 miles up the Million Dollar highway from Silverton also know as highway 550. Ouray, named after the Ute Indian Chief, is a fun town everyone old and young will enjoy. Although known as the American Alps, and a winter wonderland. I found much more to acquaint myself with than just the beautiful mountain scenery during the non-winter months.

Autumn would be the perfect time to enjoy the short trip to Box Canyon Park, just a few blocks from the edge of town. Cool for walking the ½ mile roundtrip on the high bridge trail, this puts you above the falls, and offers a great panoramic view. The climb may be too steep for some with respiratory problem. The shorter trail down to the powerful waterfalls is a must do, until you get to the end of the trail, the power of the waterfall cannot not be appreciated.

Another not to miss subject in Ouray is the Museum. Dubbed “Best Little Museum in the West” There is something of interest for all ages in that amazingly well put together little showplace that used to be the town hospital. The most realistic, almost shocking hospital surgery room is found here, along with a dentist office featuring the outdated and painful looking dentist tools of the time. There are three floors filled with nostalgia, the cellar is a replica of a mineshaft.

Strolling the hilly streets is a favorite pastime of tourist. Shopping in the boutique type art stores, and watching the artisans perform their craft is another. Along the sidewalk are many benches useful for sitting to eat your ice cream cone, as many do.

Approximately 10 minutes drive from Ouray you will find the Bachelor-Syracuse Mine Tour. Privately owned and operated you will experience a unique ride on an original ore train 3,350 feet into the original silver and gold mine. Your guide is normally an ex-miner who formerly worked in this mine. While there you can enjoy an outdoors breakfast or lunch.

Area streams are rich in Placer Gold. Gold panning instructions are offered and you may keep what you pan. Another plus the mine sits above the city of Ouray and the view is beautiful and opposite of the view from Box Canyon.

Last but not least is Ouray’s Hot Springs and Fitness Center. Open all year, cost for adults $8.00 seniors 65+ $6.00 Child 6 and under $3.00. Huge natural hot springs pools for all to enjoy.

Restaurants and motels are plentiful in Ouray, so are visitors so I recommend making hotel reservations ahead. The Best Western Twin Peaks, 970- 325-4477 is in walking distance to everything. For campers Ouray KOA is close in 970-325-4736. All the campgrounds are seasonal May through September.

The Mexican Mayan Riviera

by Ron Kapon

The Mexican Mayan Riviera- what a public relation dream of a name. One might think of the French or Italian Riviera, but here it is all about the beach, sun and water. Let’s get the geography lesson out of the way; Quintana Roo is a state in Southeastern Mexico on the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula with a population of 1,135,000 million. The Caribbean Sea is to the east and the nation of Belize is to the south. If the name Quintana Roo is not familiar, look at some of the cities contained within the state; Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the island of Cozumel. Plus there are the Mayan Ruins at Tulum, Ichpaatan, Xcaret and world famous Chichen Itza. In the late 1960’s the Mexican government built the city of Cancun from a small fishing village to attract more American tourists to the area. Recent figures showed over 4 million visitors. On October 23rd 2005 a Category 5 hurricane named Wilma made landfall on the island of Cozumel. It sat stationery over the area for several days with winds as high as 125 MPH. For five days in May of 2007 I traveled to Cancun & Playa del Carmen to see how the area has responded. Most of the hotels were remodeled and reopened within a year and new construction was everywhere. The hotel zone in Cancun (28,000 rooms- the largest number in Mexico) has condos and resorts on every inch of space facing the Caribbean, plus over 2,000 stores. On the island side is Laguna Nichupte with marinas, restaurants, shopping malls, two golf courses (there are 8 in the Cancun area, plus 5 more under construction) and a few islands. There is only one road so you can’t get lost. Southbound heads to the airport which is the 2nd busiest in Mexico, after Mexico City (Continental, Delta, American, Jet Blue, ATA, US Airway, Northwest and Aero Mexico all fly from New York City). The Hotel Zone spans approximately 16 miles. Northbound heads to downtown. The “Party Zone” is half-way between the Hotel Zone & downtown and it is filled with nightclubs and discos. You can opt for a taxi from your hotel but the buses cost only 55 cents & seem to run every minute. There are several smaller flea markets and large shopping malls within a mile of the Hotel Zone but everyone seems to carry the same things with similar prices. I couldn’t find a single thing to buy. After all, how many t-shirts or sombreros can one wear? Visualize the condos & hotels of Miami Beach or San Juan. Picture perfect weather, but consider skipping the peak of the hurricane season which is September into November. You can book tours to Mayan ruins, golf, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing etc through Best Day Tours. They picked me up at the airport, took me to my hotel, and brought me to Aqua World where I spent an hour on the Yellow Submarine (viewing coral and fish underwater) along Palancar Reef, the 2nd largest coral reef in the world. They also drove me to my hotel in Playa del Carmen in less than an hour; arranged a tour there and returned me to the Cancun airport for my flight home. I found them very reliable and as an aside the company is owned by the same people who own the Real Resorts where I stayed. Fernando Garcia Zalvidea started Best Day Tours in 1984 and in 1989 bought an old hotel that started his empire. I stayed at The Royal in Cancun that opened in February 2007 & The Royal in Playa del Carmen that opened October 2005. Both are super deluxe, all suite, all adult and all inclusive. The Royal properties do not accept children under 16 while the Gran Caribe & Gran Porto allows children of any age. I noticed that half The Royal guests seem to be honeymooners or young couples while the other half are in my category of senior citizen. My Royal Junior Suite, like 80% of the 285 The Royal in Cancun rooms, faced the Caribbean and had a double Jacuzzi tub. The Royal in Playa del Carmen has 459 junior suites and this time I faced the pool area. The rum, vodka, tequila soft drinks and snacks in the mini-bar are included. Three gourmet meals with vintage house wines and all services charges and taxes are included. I used the fitness center, sauna, Jacuzzis and steam room in the Spa which also is part of the all-inclusive as are theme nights, live shows and non-motorized water sports. If you want a Mayan inspired spa treatment or wines from their 127 selection wine & champagne list there is an extra charge. Also in the 5 Star categories are his Gran Caribe Real in Cancun & the Gran Porto Real in Playa. After Hurricane Wilma Fernando used part of his next door Grand Caribe Real land to build an all new The Royal in Cancun. The Gran property in Playa is across the street. There is also a 4 Star Real Playa property nearby. I did eat in one restaurant on the Gran Caribe property which is not part of the all-inclusive and that is called Salute. The first Salute opened in Mexico City 5 years ago and it opened in Cancun in December 2006. You must try their Mango Margarita; the food is also fabuloso. I had a choice of restaurants at the Royal where I could partake of my three meals; Japanese, French-Mexican, coffee shop, poolside restaurant or a 24 hour lounge with a pool table, table tennis, snacks, several TV’s and a selection of drinks. Depending on season, my Royal Junior Suite rack rate would be between $240 and $350 per person, all inclusive. There are all sorts of incentive pricing available. Less than an hour south of Cancun and I found the Mexican Mayan Riviera. Playa (del Carmen) was established by Europeans from Germany, Switzerland and especially Italy. The lifestyle is slower with beaches, surf, coral reefs, scuba, jet skiing, windsurfing and a pedestrian street named Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) with a mixture of shops, bars & restaurants. With a population of 60,000 there are fewer large hotels and the atmosphere is definitely more laid back. The island of Cozumel can be reached from the ferry dock in Playa in less than 45 minutes. That same 45 minutes will take you to Talum & Coha which reflect the Mayan period of 1200-1520AD. They draw over 2 million visitors a year (the most visited of Mexico’s archaeological sites) after having been rediscovered in 1842 by archeologists. Hurricane Emily hit Playa in July 2005 and while doing considerable damage did not destroy the whole city, as in Cancun. I spent an afternoon and evening at Xcaret which was about 15 minutes from my hotel. For $60 one gets an all day pass or it is $43 if you only want to see the two hour evening extravaganza (the history of Mexico with over 200 performers). I spent 3 hours walking through Mayan Village, along the jungle trail, through wildlife, underground rivers, through an Aquarium and several other shows. If you want to go snorkeling, scuba diving, or swim with dolphins that will cost you extra. Although both cities are different, my recommendation is to visit both and decide which style you prefer. For More information- www.cancun.info www.bestday.com www.realresorts.com.mx www.aquaworld.com.mx www.grupobgm.com.mx www.playadelcarmen.com www.xcaret.com.mx

By Bobbie Green

The opening of the William Clinton Presidential Museum a little over 2 years ago has presented the city of Little Rock Arkansas with a surge in tourism and they are rolling out the welcome mat. 2007 will be a big year for the city as they will also be remembering the 50th anniversary of the integration of Central High School in September.

Little Rock is not a “touristy” town yet. But there are notable historic reasons to make a visit. All presidential libraries are significant and the Clinton Presidential Center and Park are no exception. The “Bridge to the Future” is a wealth of information inside with a penetratingly visual effect to the eye of the beholder on the outside

The lovely Old State House, now a museum has been at the heart of Arkansas’s political history since 1836 and the site of Clinton’s victory celebration in 1992 and 1996. The park like grounds surrounding the State House is the epitome of the South with huge oak and magnolia trees directing ones eye to what is known as the Pillars of Power columns used frequently on old southern structures.

Most of our senior population watched the struggle at Central High School in 1957 as nine black students attempted to enter an all-white school on what was then a fledging new news medium television. An in person visit to Central High School gives one a new perspective on the crisis. One could not tell from the television pictures the enormous size of the high school. The Mobil Gas Station across the street was a base for the news people because of the pay phone has been preserved, right down to the 22 cents per gallon gas price on the pumps and is now a NSH Visitor Center. Inside is the story of the struggle with plenty of pictures.

The world headquarters of Heifer International is also located in Little Rock. This non-profit organization, one of the global leaders fighting hunger and poverty throughout the world, was founded in Little Rock.

Its environmentally friendly headquarters is a showplace and departing visitors were expressing their amazement over the whole agricultural and livestock training operation. Many visitors become contributors.  The Clinton Presidential Center and the Heifer Headquarters are not to be missed sites when in Little Rock.

Getting off the beaten path a little would be a visit to the old Pugh Mill in North Little Rock, a re-creation of a water-powered gristmill in 1828.  It was created in 1933 for the opening scene in Gone with the Wind movie. To my surprise it was not just a façade, it was complete inside and out with beautiful stone work done by a Mexico City artist Dionico Rodriguez and when it was renovated in 1991 the work was done by his grandson, Carlos Cortes. The unbelievably picture perfect setting is now on the National Register of Historic Places. You may go there for a serene picnic or take photos, even plan your wedding there.

Little Rock Tours With a Twist offers an exceptional and unusual overview of the city with their tour. I can recommend taking it, especially if your time is limited.

There are plenty of places to stay in Little Rock; my stay at the Peabody Hotel with the famous Peabody Duck Parade was memorable. They have a great downtown, river view location, right next door to the Old State Court House and close to the street car stop. The lobby bar at happy hour is not an unpleasant place to be either.

Good eating is easy in Little Rock. Seafood and steakhouses are in abundance. I can personally vouch for the Cajun’s Wharf which also serves excellent Etoufee and Gumbo. Did I mention Restaurant Row in front of the River Walk?  You will find something for every tastebud and budget there.

Above are the highlights of the numerous attractions I found in little ole’ Little Rock. A place I did not previously consider a leisure travel destination. When touring the South you want to put Little Rock on your itinerary. You will be received with all that remarkable southern charm.

If You Go

Clinton Presidential Center

501-374-4242

www.clintonpresidentialcenter.org

Central High Visitor Center

501-374-1957

Call for 50th anniversary info.

www.nps.gov/chsc

Little Rock Tours

501-868-7287

www.littlerocktours.com

Peabody Little Rock

501-375-5000

www.peabodylittlerock.com

Clarion hotel

501-374-9000

www.clarioninn.com

Littlerock visitor center

800-844-4781

Littlerock.com

Heifer International

800-696-1918

Heifer.org

By RON KAPON

New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta and Los Angeles may be the finalists, but the winner is Las Vegas. There are 120 Master Sommeliers in the world (wine knowledge and blind tastings are part of the rigorous exam). 74 of them live in the USA; 13 of whom work in Las Vegas. There are celebrity chefs who promote their TV shows, books, clothing lines, pizza etc and rarely turn on a stove. I have eliminated the two most prominent examples from this discussion. If you put your name on a restaurant you should be there working at least half the time. There are 76 Wine Spectator Grand Award winning restaurants world-wide and 4 are in Las Vegas; 28 of the 700 Best of Award of Excellence restaurants are also in Las Vegas. Follow along with me as I sliced, diced and slurped my way through five days of the best food and wine of Las Vegas. But first, a brief summary of what I did outside the food and wine scene. Janelle Brown of the New York Times in 2004 wrote: “When the Rat Pack moved out, Las Vegas lost its reputation for chic. Between the ubiquitous frozen margaritas, the roving bachelorette parties, the theme-park décor (and don’t forget the $3.99 buffets), the town scared away the nation’s arbiters of taste. The emerging Las Vegas is now sexy rather than tacky, knows its contemporary design and is definitely priced for the high-roller crowd.” Ron’s Choices: Take the kids to Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. If you are of a certain age and love the music of the 1950/1960’s stroll over to the Sahara Hotel’s Conga Room for the Coasters/Platters/Drifters concert. There are no four letter words and I, along with most of the crowd, knew all the songs. The hotel is a bit like the audience, old and creaky. Since I was staying with my cousin who is a Major in the Air Force and headquartered at Nellis Air Force Base. I took his suggestion and saw one of the IMAX shows at the Luxor Hotel: Fighter Pilot, filmed at Nellis. Lance Burton, magician extraordinaire, has his own theatre at the Monte Carlo Hotel. Even sitting in the third row center I couldn’t figure out how all those doves kept appearing from his rolled up sleeves. If you can get tickets for one of the five Cirque du Soleil (literal translation is Circus of the Sun) shows go for it. I saw “KA” at the MGM Grand and all I can say is WOW!! It combines acrobatic performances, martial arts, puppetry, multimedia and pyrotechnics. The show’s title is inspired by the ancient Egyptian belief in the “ka” an invisible spiritual duplicate of the body which accompanies every human being throughout this life and into the next. I had less than 15 minutes to run through the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum at the Venetian Hotel for a bit of cultural perspective. For true Las Vegas kitsch I stopped at the stretch of Fremont Street known as the Fremont Street Experience. The Neon Museum has rescued signs and placed them in this pedestrian street of souvenir shops, strip clubs and low-rent casinos. The two block stretch is canopied by an L.E.D screen with 12 million lights and two stages for shows. Bring your sunglasses. For the best views of the strip travel to the older north end of Las Vegas Boulevard ( where the aforementioned Sahara sits) and the Stratosphere Tower. Head to the top (1,149 feet) that offer panoramic views of the entire Las Vegas Valley. An alternative is the Top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris LV at 460 feet or dine 56 stories up at Alize at the Palms Hotel (an Andre Rochat restaurant). Even though I didn’t dine at Andres the nighttime view was fabuloso. I had a car, and drove to Lake Mead/Hoover Dam, less than an hour outside town. There is always a bus tour since a car is not really needed in LV. Alas, I did not have time to get to the Liberace Museum or Classic Car Museum. With that out of the way it is time to wine and dine. *** Next to the name meant I ate at the place mentioned below or interviewed the chef/owner/sommelier/GM. This list is obviously not all inclusive as I only had five full days. The MGM/Mirage group includes 10 hotels (MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, The Mirage, TI, Monte Carlo, Luxor, New York-New York, Excalibur and Circus Circus) and their outside and inside public relations personnel arranged most of my meals and shows. MGM Grand- *** Joel Robuchon and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon. Chef Robuchon cooks here at least six times a year. He was named Chef of the Century and his Joel Robuchon restaurant has won a Mobil 5 Star restaurant (one of 17 in the U.S.) as well as an AAA Five-Diamond Award. The five room space recalls the glamour and elegance of 1930’s Paris. L’Atelier presents his cuisine in an accessible, informal style. Sommelier Darren Lutz is great at food and wine pairings. 750 wines; tre cher and elegant. *** NOBHILL- Michael Mina restaurant- 500 wines, 70 champagnes. Try to get one of the semi-private cabanas by the entrance. Meant to recreate the atmosphere and cuisine of San Francisco. Saw KA after dinner. Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House has 1,275 wines and a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence. I doubt Emeril has much time to man the kitchen here. Bellagio- Celebrity restaurateur Sirio Maccioni sent his son Mario out here 8 years when the Bellagio first opened. *** Le Cirque & Osteria del Circo have 1,000 wines and the elegance the Maccioni’s bring to everything they touch shows. Both restaurants have a Wine Spectator Best Award of Excellence award. Picasso has 1,525 wines on their list assembled by Master Sommelier Robert Smith. Another Wine Spectator Grand Award winner and a AAA 5 Diamond winner. French cuisine with a hint of Spanish influence. It is hands off the numerous works of art by the great master Picasso. Cirque du Soleil’s “O” plays here and may be the toughest ticket in town. Mandalay Bay- I spent a lot of time here. *** Aureole- William Sherer- wine director- a Charlie Palmer restaurant. He has many places outside of his home base of Chicago. Does he still cook here? No other place in LV comes close as a wine lover’s mecca. This Wine Spectator Grand Award winner with over 5,000 selections has a 42 foot temperature controlled wine tower with Mission Impossible bungee jumping “wine angels” who are trained acrobats and gymnastics. Their rare wine collection includes half-a-dozen examples of the prestigious 1900 vintage in Bordeaux. Ask about the eWinebook, the world’s first electronic wine list. Worth the show. *** Fleur de Lys- Jason Reed sommelier. Chef Hubert Keller commutes from his restaurant in San Francisco and is here at least twice a month. 900 wines, with 100 ½ bottles (great for single diners). Best of Award of Excellence from WS. The chef loves to DJ on occasion. In 2005 Bon Apetit Magazine named Fleur de Lys as one of the nation’s “Hot 50 Restaurants.” *** RM Seafood is comprised of restaurant rm and r bar café- at Mandalay Place. Located on a 100,000-square-foot sky bridge connecting Mandalay Bay and Luxor resorts it is the first retail center in the world directly attached to two major casino resorts. Christopher Janz- sommelier & beverage director. Chef Rick Moonen has moved to Las Vegas from NYC and is in the kitchen 5 or 6 nights a week. 450 wines designed to compliment seafood specialties with fresh fish flown in 7 days a week. Although rbar café is less formal than restaurant rm, the same menu items are available. *** STRIPSTEAK- A Michael Mina Restaurant with 600 wines including a rare collection of cult classic California wines and a separate Single Malt Scotch list of 100. Directly opposite RM Seafood is *** 55 Degrees Wine Shop & Bar owned by the Mandalay Bay Resorts. There are 2,000 wines; 30 by the glass. Silver Oaks & Caymus are the most popular premium wines at the bar (what no Thunderbird?). Monte Carlo- *** Andre’s French Restaurant was voted #1 restaurant in Las Vegas by Zagat’s Guide. A Wine Spectator Best of Award winner with 1,700 wines. Chef/owner Andre Rochat patterned this restaurant, opened in 1997 after his longtime first venture opened in 1980, in the Fremont Street area. It is reminiscent of Versailles, with its ornate Renaissance décor and gilded opulence. The Louis XVI Salon located upstairs is the best place to enjoy a fine cigar and rare Cognac’s. The chef has assembled the most extensive collection of rare vintage Cognac’s this side of the Atlantic. His oldest being a 1777 Jacques Hardy honoring the first flag of the United States of America. Andre is not a late bloomer but the veteran of fine dining in town and he honored me by joining me for dinner. In 2001 he added Alize on the 56th floor of the Palms Hotel with 2,200 wines and another Best of Award of Excellence. I went from dinner directly to the Lance Burton magic show. Palms- *** N9NE Steak House- Pronounced as Nine. Christian Margesson- wine director- has 850 wines. Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence. Also renowned for its champagne and caviar bar. See Alize above. Paris Las Vegas- Eiffel Tower Restaurant has 900 wines with a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence. Located 11 stories up it has a panoramic view along the strip along with a romantic piano bar. Napoleon Champagne Bar- 100 champagnes and sparkling wines. Venetian- Piero Selvaggio Valentino- Wine Spectator Grand Award winner- 2,400 wines. Sister restaurant to world renowned Valentino’s in Santa Monica. Voted best Italian restaurant in Las Vegas. Delmonico Steak House- Owned by Emeril Lagasse; Master Sommelier Kevin Vogt is in charge of the collection of 1,800 wines. Another Wine Spectator Grand Award winner. Wynn Las Vegas- There are 17 sommelier in house with 100,000 bottles of wine. Master Sommelier Paolo Barbieri can be found at Alex with 1,100 selections including over 200 burgundies. The all Italian wine list at Bartolotti Ristorante di Mare is 23 pages including 23 dessert wines. Steve Wynn insisted that his chefs live in Las Vegas and so far all but Daniel Boulud have done so. Rio- 50,000 bottles of wine including 1800 Madeira from Thomas Jefferson’s cellar. Caesars Palace- Master Sommelier Lois De Santos can be found at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago in the Forum Shop area that features California-style cuisine. Guy Savoy has opened his only American restaurant which features 1,500 wines and the Menu prestige at $290. Please don’t consider this a complete listing as I said in the beginning I only had five days in Las Vegas, this time.

Information Central- Las Vegas Convention; Visitors Authority- www.visitlasvegas.com – (877) VISIT-LV Bellagio- www.bellagio.com Caesars Palace- www.caesarspalace.com Freemont Street- www.vegasexperience.com Luxor- www.luxor.com Mandalay Bay- www.mandalaybay.com Monte Carlo- www.montecarlo.com MGM Grand- www.mgmgrand.com Palms- www.palms.com Paris- www.parislasvegas.com Rio- www.riolasvegas.comSahara- www.shaaravegas.com Venetian- www.venetian.com Wynn- www.wynnlasvegas.com

Russia’s Peasant Heritage                                    

By Bobbie Green

St Petersburg and Moscow are not the only great places in Russia to visit. Situated in the north-west region of Lake Onega is Kizhi Island, home to an outdoor museum of fascinating edifices of northern wooden architecture. Typical non-city life is displayed here past and present. About 50 people live here year round through the unmerciful winter, when the temperature drops to 35 & 40 degrees below zero.

What a visitors delight come summer, the beautiful island welcomes visitors to explore Russian life. The tranquil island itself has a calming effect making one almost reluctant to leave it. Officially it is called the State Historical, Architectural and Ethnographic Preserve of Kizhi. Original structures were brought here from the northern Onega region to illustrate the common styles of architecture. The island is small and narrow, measuring approximately 6 kilometers by 1 kilometer and visitors can leisurely walk around the paths visiting all the buildings. One of the main attractions located there is the Transfiguration Cathedral built in 1714. Thirty thousand shingles, made of aspen wood, on twenty-two separate cupolas (domes) on five tents compose the ascending nest. The aspen wood reflects a myriad of hues changing the color of the cupolas depending on the light. A spectacular sight and hard to believe it was done with wood. Of course as usual with most Russian Cathedrals it is too big to use in winter (heat) so of course the smaller winter church is next door, it too filled with Icons and frescos. Close by sits a fireboat to protect the cathedral even through the winter months.

In 1951 the Oshevnev’s house was moved to the island, this was the beginning of the open-air museum of history and architecture.

One can visit the large wooden house, a typical family home for approximately 15 people. The house living area is upstairs on the second level. It has a large room for the family to use as a kitchen with table and work area for the women. The large wood burning heater/oven served two room and beds were made on and around it, with the eldest getting the warmest places. The families’ most prized possessions, best china, etc, were kept in the second room or guest bedroom. The third room is an enormous room used all winter to house their boats and sleds, tools and other large items they needed. It was used all winter as a work room for all. They grew all their food during the summer months and stored it for the winter. There is a huge barn type door to the outside with a ramp used to haul up the large equipment and livestock to walk on. The live stock was kept indoors on the ground level of the house. These homes each housed one huge close knit family together inside for approximately five month of each year. There was always a bath house located away from the main house. There the people could bath take a sauna, even in the winter.

Each village had a wooden bell tower used for communication, a windmill for grinding the grain. Kizhi has full time bell ringers who researched and now perform traditional methods of chiming. The bell tower of Kizhi Pogost has 14 bells and the Archangel Michael chapel has 8. The chiming is performed every day for guest during the summer months. Visitors will find craftsman there exhibiting the different artistic work accomplished during the long winter months by the Russian peasants like the detailed paintings, woodcarving and weaving.

Visiting this island shows the life of the people not living in the cities during the era of the Czars until now, the detailed buildings display the skilled craftsmanship of the Russian people and maybe how they honed it through the long winters.

The River Cruise Tours bring their guest here to learn about the Russian Life, the Hydrofoil Ferry boats from Petrozavodsk on the mainland also bring locals and tourist to the island. Kizhi Pogost was declared to be a state reserve in 1945. It is now on the Heritage List of UNESCO. While in Russia it is definitely a worthwhile side trip. If you are not on a guided tour audio guides are available in English.

BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS . . .

A Taste of Kangaroo Island

By Marcie J. Bushnell

A narrow-leaf mallee (Eucalyptus cneorifolia) oil distillery, a speciality cheese dairy, a Ligurian honey bee establishment, a marron (fresh water crayfish) farm, and a liqueur called Island Sting serve up a unique sensory experience to visitors touring Kangaroo Island. Two hours south of Adelaide, South Australia, Kangaroo Island is the third largest island off the Australian mainland, (93 miles long by 33 miles wide). K.I. is one of the best places in the southern hemisphere to enjoy some highly specialized culinary delights. Opportunities to bond with all manner of fur, fin and feathers add to the adventure.

Sealink Kangaroo Island offers comprehensive day and half-day tours of the island with daily departures from Cape Jervis, S.A. In order to fully appreciate what the island has to offer, an overnight stay is recommended. The Penneshaw, K.I. resident Sealink bus driver, Michael, keeps up a personable banter of interesting facts and figures as we tool the “sealed” roads of the island. When a passenger asks about the abundance of yellow dark-centered flowers blanketing the pastures, Michael quips, “We call those dandelions, or capeweed, on K.I. They’re a good tonic to clean the carbon off the sheep’s exhaust pipes, but I wouldn’t recommend walking behind them at this time of year.” I make a mental note not to mingle with the ewes.

The K.I. population of 700,000 sheep, 10,000 cattle and bees too numerous to count, co-exist with all manner of down-under wild critters. From the smallish K.I. kangaroo to the sleepy-eyed koala (a 1920s immigrant from Victoria); from spiky echidnas to web-footed platypi (introduced in the 1940s); from Cape Barren geese (imported in the 1930s from Tasmania) to Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals, this place is teeming with life.

I ask about snakes, but never see the two species inhabiting the island – the copperhead and the black tiger varieties. A black and silver goanna manages to swagger across the bitumen as our bus swings into the parking lot at Admirals Arch, but amphibian/reptilian sightings figure a “the fewer, the better” response in my book.

Island residents make a living by fishing, agriculture and tourism that bodes well for the eco-sensitive environment. K.I. is 30% National Park and 40% native vegetation with periodic vegetation purges handled by Mother Nature in the form of brush fires.

Introduced species have run amok with their clear-cut eating habits, thus prompting the government to sterilize about 3/5 of the koala population on the island. Michael adds, “The red and yellow ear tags identify the ‘safe’ ones … we call ‘em tree rabbits ’cause they multiply so fast.” The manna gums, as well as sugar, pink, blue and stringy bark eucalyptus trees have begun to recover since the koala snip-snip operation. Life goes on.

Alternative industries have proven to be unique tourism draws for the area. The Kangaroo Island Eucalyptus Oil Distillery, Emu Ridge, is a totally self-sufficient operation that generates all its distillery equipment by steam.

Larry and Bev Turner own and operate the facility and we are lucky enough to get a personal tour by Bev the day we visit. She gives each of us a little container of eucalyptus oil and informs us of its disinfectant properties as well as its use as a decongestant, stain remover, and flea shampoo. A whiff from the souvenir bottle clears my sinuses in a jiffy and reminds me of my mother’s home remedy for colds. She would rub my chest with Vicks, cover the area with a warm cloth and let me read in my cozy bed. Hmmmm, but I digress.

The Island Pure Sheep Dairy provides some very tasty samples of natural sheep milk “island honey” yogurt, followed by grilled haloumi and briny feta cheeses. Our bus driver reflects, “It’s not all beer and skittles here,” as we line up to watch the afternoon sheep milking procession.

Sheep aren’t the brightest creatures under the sun, but they do like to eat, so upon entering the milking arena, they rush to their food troughs while a machine backs them into the milking machine. Two suction cups are attached, and voila … milk for cheese. Purchase of $20(A) of dairy products includes a free esky (Styrofoam cooler). As tempting as it is, we have to forego any purchases due to space limitations in our luggage.

At Clifford’s Honey Farm, Jenny Clifford holds up a queen bee “special delivery” postal container used to export the gentle Ligurian bee stocks overseas. Bees may leave the island, but none are imported, thus maintaining the integrity of the bee gene pool. Honey samples are de rigueur as the good-natured, gentle bees buzz nearby.

As our tour draws to a close, we briefly view the holding tanks of fresh water crayfish, aka marron, while visualizing platters brimming with the succulent crustaceans.

Before boarding the Sealion 2000 for the 45-minute trip back to Cape Jervis, we toast the beauty and bounty of K.I. with a sip of the local honey/anisette flavored liqueur, Island Sting. Smooth and warm describe the elixir … there is no unpleasant “bite.”

As for Kangaroo Island, the tour has been a sensory-charged odyssey with a perfectly awesome cast of characters. Cheers!

By Bobbie Green

Glenwood Springs Colorado

Are you looking for a getaway without flying? Try the drive to Glenwood Springs Colorado.  From the Mesquite/St George area it is approximately 1250 miles round trip, the long way around.  We took 8 days with plenty of side trips. But you may choose to take Hwy 15 north to Hwy 70 over and back with maybe one scenic detour over Beaver Mountain, less mileage and time will be needed.

Do allow time to stop at the rest stops along Hwy 70. The fantastic views are alive with twisted desert trees and rock formations.  You will also find the native Indians selling their beautiful pottery at reasonable prices. Should you want to break up the drive and stay over one night while traveling Green River has a very nice Best Western sitting on the river with a park like grass area and atmosphere. What a peaceful way to end your day. If you were traveling on a weekend I would definitely reserve the room ahead of time. The John Wesley Powel River History Museum is directly across the street. There you will find the history of the river- boats as well as John Wesley Powel. The museum also houses fantastic bronze artwork. It is definitely worth a visit.  From Green River you should be able to make Grand Junction Colorado for lunch. I recommend going to the historic downtown area. It is not hard to find and has a pleasing small town flavor, with works of art along the street.  Other optional stops are the Colorado wineries, found mostly around the Palisade area right off Hwy 70.  They are open daily.  Just outside Fruita you may take the short but spectacular loop through National Monument Colorado. The amazing rock sculptures along the 23mile Rim-Rock-Drive is well worth your time. The roads, which include many switchbacks, allow you to view the rock formations from many different angles. What you thought you saw and what you really seen are different. You photo enthusiasts will love it.  The Park Ranger Station offers clean restrooms, a small museum, and a worthwhile movie short, on the Monument.

Glenwood Spring is a historic, tourist town renown for one the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool and the memorable Hotel Colorado. The authentic Denver and Rio Grande train station, located within walking distance of the hotel, is still in use by Amtrak. The town is nestled between the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River run right through town adding to it charm.

Hotel Colorado opened in 1893 as one of the first hotels to be electrically lit and has housed many notables. It has been very well kept and you too can reserve your place in history by staying there. Double rooms start at $118.00 per night to $431.00 for the 3-bedroom suite. If you choose not to stay there be sure and visit. The Hotel has a walking tour guide pamphlet. Know that you are welcome. The Hotel has many original pieces of furniture still being used. When entering the old world charm hits you like a light bulb being turned on. One can sense the history with out even looking at the wall pictures depicting it.  It gives an eerie feeling like when visiting the Queen Mary. It is easy to imagine the ladies in their period dress descending the grand staircase. The grounds are beautifully kept. You may sit in the garden and look down the hill to the natural hot springs pool. Or you may sit at the patio bar and imagine how it was for the memorable people who have sat there before you.

While there you won’t want to miss a visit to the recently reopened Glenwood Caverns and fairy caves. Another local attraction is the grave of the infamous Doc Holiday. He died at the TB sanitarium there and is buried in the towns Linwood cemetery high on a hill overlooking the valley. The cemetery is all natural terrain, has a few picnic benches and interesting reading on the old tombstones.  Hiking up the hill is one and only way to reach the cemetery. Bring water with you. The cemetery does offer a lovely view of the town. The Frontier Historical Museum features area artifacts, photographs and Doc Holiday memorabilia. A short drive away by car is Hanging Lake, another popular and scenic hiking area.

Today as yesterday Glenwood Springs is a tourist town, popular still, because of the 615’ x 75’ 90 degree hot springs main pool and the 104-degree therapy pool. Open to the public for a nominal fee of $ 8.75 for adults’ $5.75 children 3-12.  Next door you will find miniature golf and covered water tubing. Definitely this is a great year round family destination. Glenwood Springs sits between Vail and Aspen. Even so it boast its own family resort in Sunlight Mountain, with all the winter sports and horseback riding in the summer.

There are plenty of motels and a variety of dining choices. Enjoy life in America on the road or on the rails with Amtrak in Glenwood Springs.

It is two months now since my heart operation; 1 ½ months after I returned from South Africa.  I get a phone call from someone I do not know and who seems to know me solely by reputation. What are you doing next week he inquired? Why teaching and running a wine event, I answered. Would you like to go to Friuli Italy staying at a castle and eating, drinking and touring for six days? And by the way, we need your answer by tomorrow. I ask my partners to cover the wine tasting; arrange for the administrative assistant at the college to supervise my class and voila, I was off to Italy. Delta has a non-stop from JFK to Venice and in a little over an hour I arrived at Castello di Spessa, my home for five nights.

The full name of the region is Friuli Venezia Giulia. It is tucked away in the northeastern corner of Italy with Austria to the north, Slovenia to the east and the Adriatic Sea to the south. It is unknown, even to many Italians, which is great if you are seeking a new adventure and not a lot of other tourists. You will find snow-capped mountains, sandy beaches, Roman ruins, 200 castles, palaces converted to hotels, fishing villages and very friendly unaffected people. Almost half of Friuli (using the shortened version is a lot less confusing to Americans since many assume Venezia or Venice is part of the region and it is not) is occupied by mountains including part of the Alps. It has less than 1 ¼ million inhabitants with the largest cities being Udine with almost 100,000 population and the regional capitol Trieste with about 250,000 people. It ranks 17th among the 20 regions in size. The must see in Udine are the works of the great 18th century painter Giambattista Tiepolo exhibited throughout the town, especially at the Palazzo Patriarcale, which houses the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art and many of his frescos .Other short trips we made were to Gorizia and its 11th Century castle; Cormons, the main town of the Collio wine area and Cividale, founded around 50 BC by Julius Caesar. The Miramare Castle in Trieste was built by the 19th Century Hapsburg prince, Maximilian, but before he could complete it his older brother Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph sent him to Mexico where he became Emperor and was subsequently assassinated. Now a museum and a superb example of a 19th Century European royal residence it is one of the most visited state-owned museums in all of Italy. It wasn’t until 1954 that Trieste was reunited with Italy and became the capitol of Friuli in 1963. The surrounding park is large and quite beautiful. I sat outside and relaxed taking in the enchanting views of the Gulf of Trieste.

My Trip to St. Martin & St. Barths

Ron Kapon

A romantic past- An exciting present- A golden future.

I remember last summer having dinner with the new Cyprus Trade Commissioner Aristos Constantine and telling him most people had no idea where Cyprus was located. Yes, it is situated in the northwestern Mediterranean, at the crossroads of the three continents of Europe, Asia and Africa. Yes, it is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. Is it one of the Greek Islands? NO, but where is it? July 19th, 2006 ‘the government of the Republic of Cyprus launched a major effort to support the evacuation of U.S. citizens and others fleeing war-torn Lebanon for the safety of Cyprus.’ There was CNN, FOX, NBC and many others filming the warm welcome given the 13,000 Americans who were hosted in Cyprus before returning to the US. President Bush thanked the Cypriot President for his help.

So now that we know where it is, why did I spend 6 days there? Today Cyprus is a modern country of 800,000 people that effortlessly marries European culture with ancient enchantment. The Cyprus that is recognized by the UN and all countries of the world (except Turkey) has alluring beaches and fragrant mountain peaks; vineyards studded with olive trees and citrus groves and ancient ruins on a par with anything seen in Greece and Egypt. The island is an open air museum, where one can visit prehistoric settlements, classical Greek temples, Roman theatres and villas, early Christian basilicas, Byzantine churches and monasteries, Crusader castles, Gothic cathedrals, Venetian fortifications, Moslem mosques and British colonial-style buildings. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Cyprus: The whole city of Pafos; Choirakoitia and the 10 Byzantine period churches of Troodos.  The 2 ½ million visitors love the temperate climate year-round (a bit hot in the summer). Aphrodite, the ancient Greek Olympian goddess of beauty and love, according to mythology, was born on the island.  A storied past 10,000 years long has seen civilizations come and go with the Mycenaean Greeks followed by the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Franks, Venetians, Ottomans and British (1878-1960). Because of the long British rule everyone I encountered, of all ages, spoke English (a reminder to look left; they drive on the wrong side of the road here). Not having to deal with another language is a big plus for visitors; and Cyprus is a favorite vacation spot for folks from the UK. The Republic of Cyprus was proclaimed in 1960. In 1974 Turkey invaded the island and now occupies 37% of the island making Nicosia, the world’s only divided capital city (think what Berlin was before the wall fell). In 2004 Cyprus was granted full membership in the European Union.

Enough of politics and history follow along with me on a two day jaunt to many of the sites a visitor will want to see. I spent three days visiting wineries, but that is a different article. I spent my six days in Cyprus in Limassol, the second largest city on the island (160,000 people; Nicosia has 200,000). It is the major seaport for cruise ships and the headquarters of the Cyprus wine industry. You are an hour from Larnaka and one of two international airports (Pafos has the other). One day my guide took me west to Pafos and the other day north-east to Nicosia; both about an hour from Limassol.

Walk along the seafront promenade park with its 16 sculptures toward the Old City and the 13th Century Medieval Castle and Museum. Visit the Archeological Museum with its Neolithic to Roman period artifacts. The Carob Museum is worth a few minute stop. The Carob Mill was built in 1900 when carobs were a major export of Cyprus. Heading west out of town the first stop should be the Cyprus Wine Museum to learn the history of wine production in Cyprus. A few more miles and you can stop at the Kolossi Medieval Castleth century. It served as the Grand Commandery of the Knights of the Order of St. JohnJerusalem. During their stay in Cyprus they produced and exported the wine known as Commanderia.  Kourion Archeological Site is a 10 minute drive from Kolossi and its Greco-Roman theatre was built in the 2nd originally built in the 13 of Century B.C. After restoration (6,000 seats) it is used for musical and theatrical performances. The Sanctuary of Apollon Ylatis, god of the woodland, is just outside Kourion.

You can go north to the wine villages, Commanderia area & Troodos as I did another day or proceed west toward Pafos, first stopping at Petra Tou Romiou, purported to be the Birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love & beauty. It consists of two rocks; stretch your legs but save the walk to the beach. (though I think it could be any two rocks anywhere on the island). Since the entire city of Pafos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site you have lots to see. The Kato Pafos Archeological Park includes sites and monuments from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, while most of the remains date to the Roman period. I spent most of my time (along with hundreds of tourists from a cruise ship) at the marvelous mosaic floors of four Roman villas that date from the 3rd to 5th Century A.D. The mosaics at the House of Dionysus depict the god of wine. The Tombs of the Kings actually has no kings buried here but high ranking officials of the 4th Century B.C. On the way back to Limassol stop at the Sanctuary of Aphrodite and Palaipafos Museum. This 12th Century B.C sanctuary remained a place of worship until the 4th Century A.D. The museum portrays how the cult of the goddess of fertility developed into the cult of Aphrodite.

My second day of touring (courtesy of the Cyprus Tourism Organization) went east and north of Limassol. The Choirokoitia Archeological Site, a UNESCO World heritage Site is a half-hour outside Limassol. It is from the Neolithic age with five cylindrical shaped dwellings having been reconstructed near the settlement. They are fitted with replicas of household objects found inside the originals.

Nicosia is in the center of Cyprus and has been the capital since the late Byzantine period (11th Century.) The city center is surrounded by 16th Century walls, with museums, old churches and medieval buildings. Outside the walls is the modern town. Nicosia remains the only divided capital in the world. I asked to stop at the Cyprus Police Museum founded in 1933 as a criminal museum during British colonial times. The Cyprus Museum was a gem. It is the largest archeological museum in Cyprus. The collections consist of pottery, jewelry, sculpture, coins and copper objects exhibited in chronological order within the various museum galleries.

Everything else I visited was within the walls of the old city, by foot. The Byzantine Museum & Art Galleries contain the most representative collection of Byzantine art in Cyprus. Over 200 icons from the 9th to 19thCyprus Archbishop Makarios. The House of Chatzigeorgakis Kornesios is the most important surviving 18th Century building in Nicosia. It also houses the Cyprus Ethnological Museum. The Famagusta Gate is one of the three entrances into old Nicosia through the Venetians walls. The Omeriye Mosque was formerly a 14th Century Augustinian monastery. It was converted into a mosque in 1571. Next door is the Omeiye Baths built in the 16th Century that has now been restored into a spa. My last stop was at Laiki Geitonia, an area that has seen the restoration of houses into shops, restaurants and craft centers. I could not resist walking up to the buffer zone operated by the UN that separates the Turkish & Cypriot sections of Nicosia. Will it ever become the city it was before the Turkish invasion in 1974? No one thought Berlin would ever be united. Centuries are exhibited. The new Archbishopic is the seat of the Cyprus Orthodox Church with a gigantic (out of proportion) statue of the first President of

I did not even scratch the surface during my two days of touring. One could take the Byzantine Route and visit the ten churches listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then there is the Aphrodite Cultural Route, following the footsteps of the mythological goddess of love and beauty. It seems every where you turn there is another archeological treasure. I guess I will have to wait for another invitation.

For more information- Cyprus Tourism Organization- www.visitcyprus.com

Cyprus Police Museum- www.police.gov.cy

Cyprus Department of Antiquities- www.mcw.gov.cy/da

Center of Cultural Heritage- www.heritage.org.cy

Cyprus American Archeological Research Institute- www.caari.org

By Bobbie Green

What is an alpine zoo? All the wildlife in it are creatures that normally live in the high mountains.

The only true alpine zoo in the country has a home in Big Bear California. Visitors are pleasantly surprised to find such a well kept zoo with such a diversity of unexpected animals. It is well worth it for the visitor to take some time out from other activities when in Big Bear to enjoy and enlighten themselves at the Moonridge Animal Park.

The curator Don Richardson has 23 years of zoo keeping experience and is a licensed California veterinarian. Since taking charge of the Moonridge Animal Park in 1993, he has promoted emergency medical care for animals as well has instituting many events such as music in the zoo, evenings with strolling musicians and the flashlight tours to see the nocturnal animals.

The 2.5 acre park is small compared to most zoos, the friendly park like setting is lush and green in the summer time. The zoo stays open in the winter, but the visitor numbers drop because of the cold weather, but the staff will be happy to see you.  The park like zoo is diminutive and personal; all of the animals are named.  One gets to see most of the wildlife up close, your tour guide will tell you each animal’s personal history, why they are there. The 3:00p tours except for Wednesdays are the feeding tours. Visitor can be pretty sure the animals will not be hiding, as they all come out to eat.  Most kids and dads enjoy the feeding tour the most. Mom may get grossed out.

The animal park has150 inhabitance and 85 different species counting 3 grizzlies bears, including one 3 legged bear named Huckleberry. There are no grizzlies in the wild in Big Bear now. Years ago they brought in 14 black bear and the 14 beget the 400 in Big Bear today.  The newest addition to the park is a female snow fox named Ice, brought in to be companion to the male resident fox named Polar. Snow leopards and bob cats seen close up is an exciting and distinct experience. Many of us have not had this direct and intimate encounter with this type of wildlife animals before. Even the owls and eagles cages are arranged to put the birds in good proximity for viewing. An amazing 85,000 visitors a year have experienced this wonderful enriching day of fun.

The Moonridge Animal Park has been a wildlife rehabilitation center for injured, endangered and orphaned alpine species since 1959. A devastating fire in the San Bernardino Mountains left several injured animals. They were brought up the mountain for safety and rehabilitation by caring humans. For some of the animals returning to the wild was not an option and the park was born. One of the first inhabitants was an orphaned 30-pound black bear cub found stranded in a tree after the fire.  The park works together with the Big Bear Discovery Center. It gets its funding simply by admission price and donations. Harley Davidson donated $150,000 to build the habitat for the grizzlies. Their 50 year lease on the 2.5 acres is up in 2009.  They plan to move their location to the 16 acre hillside behind the planned new addition to the Discovery Center. They offer many enriching programs during the summer. Zoo camp for ages 6-12

You may even plan a birthday party in the zoo.

Two nights per summer they have a family sleepover camp, with zoo tours and animal presentations. You need to call or check website for dates. www.moonridgezoo.org 909-589-1299

Today in 2007 notably, Moonridge Animal Park is distinguished as the only zoological facility in the United States located in an alpine / sub-alpine environment, dedicated to the preservation of primarily alpine and sub-alpine species.